Memoirs (1): The Weight of S-Rank
In a massive guild evaluated as equivalent to a superpower's military might, simply having the power isn't enough to lead a team—you need to prove you're S-rank material. Even an awakener who's reached the pinnacle of their ability must demonstrate they're worthy of the trust that other talented awakeners would stake their lives on. That's why ordinary people can only dream of it: to earn the title of the world's top awakener, you have to achieve feats beyond imagination.
Ska Rate burned the glacial dragon that tore through an S-rank gate all by herself. Ia Ris single-handedly held off an otherworldly army long enough to save an entire nation when they invaded humanity. That's how they earned their S-rank status and became S-rank awakeners.
Of course, those two cases are exceptionally heroic even among S-ranks. For someone like me, I went with the more common method: destroying an unconquered S-rank dungeon. Not conquering it, but outright demolishing it. It's far harder than just taking down the Dungeon Lord guarding the Dungeon Core. To destroy a dungeon, you have to shatter its core—the very source of its power. The moment you attack it, the dungeon senses the threat and unleashes its Dungeon Lord, channeling every ounce of its unimaginable energy into a single warrior to eliminate the intruder.
Only after defeating that Dungeon Lord does the weakened Dungeon Core dissipate, collapsing the dungeon and contributing to world peace. This was the most standard path to S-rank among all the top awakeners. Sure, it lacked the dramatic flair of Ska Rate or Ia Ris's feats, but back then, I was an efficiency freak wielding extreme ice powers, so I didn't care one bit. All I wanted was to claim S-rank qualification as quickly as possible and bring glory to the Julie family.
About a year ago, my raw power was already rated S-rank, but I was desperate to make it official. That impatience led to the decision to destroy an unverified S-rank dungeon—tentatively named the Kingdom of Fire—before its mana measurements were even complete. I had no idea what chaos that rash choice would unleash; I was just thrilled at the thought of finally becoming S-rank.
The story I'm about to reminisce on is an unforgettable, precious memory from my life. It's the tale of how I fell in love with one man.
1.
To destroy the S-rank dungeon Kingdom of Fire—which I'd leveraged my family's influence to nearly force through approval—Liar's Trap's 2nd Team had gathered at the entrance. We'd all checked our gear, and our mana conditions were perfect.
Yet Team Leader 2 still hadn't given the order to enter. Growing impatient, I made a perfectly reasonable point to Exy Train, who was just staring blankly at the sky.
"Hasn't everyone arrived, Team Leader? Issue the entry order immediately."
The assault team here was the cream of the crop—even among Liar's Trap elites, these were the absolute best. Wasting the time of top-tier awakeners rarer than gold without explanation was straight-up dereliction of duty.
But no one except me raised an issue. As the youngest here, I had no choice but to step up. It's not like I'm whining just because destroying this dungeon will make me S-rank.
Despite my valid point, Exy Train just snorted and teased me playfully.
"Heh. Got ants in your pants with S-rank right in front of you, huh? Little Julie family miss. Still—"
"What did you say?"
"You're saying that 'cause it's your first S-rank dungeon. Wait a bit more. Rookie."
"R-rookie?!"
Sure, I'd been with Liar's Trap for less than three months, making me the baby of the group. But anyone who knew my reputation and skills shouldn't talk to me like that.
Still, she was a seasoned S-rank, and starting drama right before an S-rank dungeon destruction wasn't smart. Even if her words made no sense to my logical mind, I had to obey for now. Just see if it's something trivial. I'll file a complaint with the guild the second I find out.
Stuffing my cold fury deep down, I pondered how to make Exy Train pay for this humiliation when—
Crack.
A faint sound, like a small twig snapping underfoot, came from behind me. At the same time, I sensed a presence I hadn't noticed before. Whirling around on instinct, I couldn't believe my eyes.
"……Paster?"
There, standing behind me with singed hair, was someone who had no business being here. Even with the Julie family's signature icy composure, his sudden appearance threw me off. Why is an F-rank awakener here? And how did an F-rank sneak up on me without me noticing?
This op was basically for me, so as the star, I had every right to question the intruder.
"What are you doing here—"
"Oh! Paster! So, how was it? Look okay?"
But my rightful question was cut off by the insolent Team Leader Exy Train's sudden interjection. This was a blatant abuse of power.
No matter her authority as op lead, I was the star here. This was my moment. Now was the time to vent my frustrations.
"Hold on. Someone was speaking, and you just interrupt like—"
"Thought I was gonna die."
"Right? Good thing I wore the heat-resistant suit. Custom-ordered from Dr. Emme. You owe me now."
"W-wait a sec. I'm trying to—"
"What nonsense is that, Team Leader? You dragged me into this dangerous dungeon, so taking responsibility is the least you could do."
"Yeah, fair. Anyway, think you can handle it?"
"Um, hey!"
"Eh, yeah. If our teamwork syncs, conquest should be doable. But if the Dungeon Lord shows… honestly, no idea."
"No one can predict a Dungeon Lord. Well, if Paster says so!"
"Hey! I'm talking here!"
"Huh? What'd you say? Julie family rookie?"
"W-what?!"
"Save unimportant stuff for later. Time to enter the dungeon you've been dying for."
With that, Exy Train finally peeled her butt off the rock and stood before the team, clearly gearing up for a pre-entry pep talk.
Normally, I'd join the team to listen, but the shock was too much. For the first time in my life, I was treated like I was invisible. Me, Lapis Julie, the flower of the Julie family. Not just interrupted—erased.
This wasn't just personal; it insulted the entire Julie family. Just you wait, Exy Train… Once I'm S-rank, this won't slide.
As vengeful flames burned coldly in my chest, Exy Train launched into her usual lame speech: "If we wrap this up smooth, dinner's on me!" So confident. Enjoy it while it lasts, you wild mare with zero manners.
"Hey, you not joining?"
As I mulled over the perfect revenge petition, the other rude interrupter spoke up. No point being polite to someone lacking manners—it's like advertising your own foolishness. Handsome or not, no etiquette means pretty trash. Nobody honors trash.
So I snapped curtly at the pretty trash Paster.
"Why would I need to go over there?"
"'Cause everyone's participating?"
"You gonna die just 'cause others are? Don't shove your standards on me."
"Uh… yeah. Sorry."
I glared icily, and he tilted his head in apology before heading to the group. As he passed, his face screamed, 'She could argue all day, but it's pointless hassle—better just agree and keep distance. Dealing with her sounds exhausting.' Nah, must be my imagination. No way an F-rank bottom-feeder thinks that about me, on the cusp of S-rank.
Something felt off, but venting rage openly at an inferior would make me petty. With boundless magnanimity, I brushed off his ambiguity and approached Exy Train, who was finally done with her crap speech and heading in.
"About time. You're late."
My direct yet elegant critique didn't faze her.
"The guy you were waiting for just showed. Perfect timing."
"Waiting for? Who?"
"Yeah, the one you were just talking to."
"……Pardon? Paster? An F-rank awakener joining an S-rank dungeon destruction team?"
This time, my question was pure logic, not nitpicking. F-ranks maxed at D-rank dungeons—and as non-combat baggage handlers at that. Sending one into an S-rank? Team Leader was certifiably insane. Something's been weird. Who knew she was this off.
As the star, I had to stop her madness. F-rank or not, lives mattered. Can't let someone die pointlessly.
But clashing now would disband the team before entry, delaying my S-rank. Still, wrong was wrong—my duty as a Julie. Back at guild, formal apology demand. Sue for damages too! Just watch…!
Steeled with resolve, I opened my mouth—
"Alright, let's go!"
Rooooaaar!!!
Before I could speak, the entire team—including star me—bolted into the dungeon entrance.
"……Wha?"
Paster, the F-rank, went too.