Zanka’s Childhood and Pride

Zanka came from the powerful Nijiku clan, a respected family connected to the Hell Guard, the military force that controls and protects the Ground. Because of his family background, everyone expected him to become successful.

At the academy:

• Zanka was the top student
• Other students admired and feared him
• He believed he was naturally talented
• He looked down on “average” people

This is very different from the calmer Zanka we know in the present story.

The title “Memories of a Mediocrity” is important because Zanka eventually realizes that compared to true geniuses, he himself is actually ordinary.

The Arrival of Hyo

The turning point of the episode is the appearance of Hyo, a white-haired girl from the slums.

Hyo immediately shocks everyone because:

• She defeats the academy students easily
• She overwhelms Zanka in combat
• She has terrifying natural talent
• She fights without fear

For the first time in his life, Zanka experiences true defeat.

This destroys his ego.

The episode shows that Zanka’s confidence was built on always being “better than everyone around him.” But Hyo proves that there are people born with overwhelming ability.

The Emotional Meaning Behind Zanka’s Defeat

This episode is not only about fighting.

It is about:

• jealousy
• inferiority
• identity
• talent vs hard work

Zanka trained extremely hard, but Hyo surpassed him naturally. That realization broke him mentally.

The anime carefully shows:

• his frustration,
• silent anger,
• humiliation,
• and obsession with becoming stronger.

This explains why present-day Zanka is so intense during battles.

Meeting Enjin

Another important moment is Zanka meeting Enjin, who later becomes one of the people he respects most.

Enjin helps Zanka understand something important:

Strength is not just about being superior to others.

This begins changing Zanka’s worldview.

Instead of chasing perfection and status, he slowly learns:

• teamwork,
• responsibility,
• and self-acceptance.

This is why the episode feels like the “birth” of the modern Zanka.

Jabber vs Zanka Parallel

While the flashback happens, the current battle against Jabber Wonger continues.

The anime creates a parallel between:

• Hyo overpowering young Zanka
• Jabber overwhelming present Zanka

Both situations force him to confront weakness.

But unlike his younger self, current Zanka does not run away emotionally. He keeps fighting despite poison and fear.

That shows his growth.

Symbolism in the Episode

1. “Mediocrity”

The title means that Zanka realizes:

• talent alone does not define worth,
• and even gifted people can feel ordinary beside true monsters.

2. Hyo as a Mirror

Hyo represents:

• natural genius,
• raw instinct,
• and the brutal truth of competition.

She forces Zanka to mature.

3. Poison and Memories

The poison affecting Zanka symbolizes:

• painful memories resurfacing,
• emotional weakness,
• and internal conflict.