I Left My A-Rank Party to Help My Former Students Reach the Dungeon Depths! [Season 1 Episode 9]

Episode 9 Review: “I Left My A-Rank Party to Help My Former Students Reach the Dungeon Depths!”

The Plot Thickens (and So Does the Drama)

If you’ve been following I Left My A-Rank Party to Help My Former Students Reach the Dungeon Depths!, you know the drill by now: Yuke Feldio, the red mage who ditched his toxic A-rank party, is now thriving with his former students-turned-adventurers. Episode 9, however, cranks up the tension, the action, and—let’s be real—the absurdity of Yuke’s old party’s incompetence.

This episode dives deeper into the dungeon’s mysteries while also forcing Yuke’s former teammates to confront the gaping hole he left in their party. And by “confront,” I mean they’re still in denial, but at least they’re failing spectacularly enough to make it entertaining.

What Worked: The Good Stuff

1. Yuke’s Leadership Shines
   Fans have been praising Yuke’s growth as a leader, and this episode delivers. His strategic mind and cautious approach save his new party from traps that would’ve obliterated his old team. One Reddit user pointed out: “Yuke’s over-preparation isn’t a flaw—it’s what keeps his team alive. Meanwhile, Thunder Pike is out here forgetting to pack healing potions. Again.”

2. The New Party’s Dynamic
   The chemistry between Yuke and his students (especially the catgirl Nene, who’s quickly becoming a fan favorite) is a highlight. Unlike his former party, where he was treated like a glorified errand boy, here he’s respected—and it shows in their teamwork.

3. The Villain’s Downfall (Finally!)
   Without spoiling too much, let’s just say the show takes a modern twist on defeating the antagonist. One MyAnimeList commenter joked: “Getting cancelled for racism on a live stream? That’s a new one. Guess even fantasy worlds aren’t safe from Twitter outrage.”

What Didn’t Work: The Cringe Stuff

1. Thunder Pike’s Incompetence Reaches New Heights
   Look, we get it—Yuke’s old party is a mess. But at this point, their stupidity is bordering on parody. As one frustrated fan put it: “How are these guys A-rank? Did they bribe the guild? Do they have blackmail material? Because there’s no way they survived this long without Yuke.”

2. The Harem Vibes Are Getting Stronger
   Yuke’s relationship with his students is wholesome… mostly. But the show keeps teasing romantic tension, and not everyone’s here for it. A Reddit thread debated: “Is this a dungeon-crawling adventure or a ‘which student will confess first’ simulator?”

3. Predictable Tropes
   The “former party realizes their mistake too late” trope is wearing thin. One viewer sighed: “We’ve seen this a hundred times. Can we move on already?”

Final Verdict: Is It Worth Watching?

If you’re here for dungeon battles, strategic gameplay, and watching a likable protagonist finally get the respect he deserves, Episode 9 delivers. The animation remains solid, the fights are well-choreographed, and Yuke’s new party is genuinely fun to watch.

But if you’re hoping for groundbreaking storytelling or deep character arcs… well, this isn’t that kind of show. As one blunt reviewer put it: “It’s generic, but it’s the good kind of generic—like comfort food for fantasy fans.”

Rating: 7.5/10 – A fun, if formulaic, addition to the season.

What did you think of Episode 9? Did Thunder Pike’s antics make you laugh or groan? Let’s discuss in the comments!