The Heroic Tale of the Weakest Ability User ~The F-Ranker with the Dual Pistols~ - Chapter 1: Episode 3

August 5th is the day of the rank festival.

It was 4:30 in the morning, and I woke up early because I was nervous about my first ever ranked match.

Fortunately, my body felt just as usual, and my mind was sharper than ever. Physically, I was in perfect condition.

I went for a short run. I could feel every cell in my body sharpening, heightening my senses.

By the time I returned to my dorm, I noticed Yu’s shoes by the entrance—she was already inside, probably making breakfast.

“Ah! Good morning, Tasku-nii!”

As I opened the door, I saw Yu standing in the kitchen. Unlike the usual, she was wearing an apron.

“What are you doing in my kitchen…?”

“Well, you always cook for me. So, as a token of appreciation for today’s ranking match, I wanted to make you something instead.”

She responded in her usual playful manner. The room was filled with the scent of katsudon seasoning.

“I’m curious to see how much you’ve improved.

“Judging by this smell… katsudon?”

“Correct! It’ll be ready soon, so go take a bath while you wait.”

I quickly rinsed off, and by the time I got out, breakfast was already served.

I took a bite of the rice from the bowl. It was a bit heavy on the soy sauce, but still edible. I couldn’t help but recall the time when she couldn’t even cook a proper tamagoyaki. She really has grown.

“What’s with that ‘proud mentor’ look…?”

“Nah, I’m just thinking… Since I started teaching you how to cook, you’ve come a long way.”

I scooped another spoonful of katsudon into my mouth.

“I’ve been practicing since then! Although, I can only make rice bowls for now.”

“Well, it’s decent enough. You can cook for your boyfriend now.”

“I only want to cook for you, Tasku-nii.”

Yu pouted, turned away, and took the dishes to the sink. Wait—did I say something wrong?

Checking the clock, I saw it was nearly 7 AM. The entry for the ranking matches started at 7:30, so I had to hurry.

I quickly changed into my uniform and turned to Yu, who had just finished washing the dishes.

“Let’s go. We need to get there early for registration.”

“Alright, I’ll get ready.”

She removed her apron and headed back to her dorm to grab her bag.

While waiting, I turned on the radio.

A young lady has been reported missing, possibly abducted…

The news was unsettling.

“Tasku-nii, let’s go.”

As always, I walked with Yu to the academy.

“Alright, I’ll go sign up. See you later.”

I headed to the registration desk.

“Good morning! I’d like to enter the Rank Festival.”

“Oh, Tasku-kun! Good morning! Signing up for the matches?”

The receptionist was a kind woman who often looked out for me.

“By the way, did you know? Your instructor, Ken-sensei, protested to the director just to get you into the Rank Festival.”

She casually mentioned it while writing on the form.

“W-Wait, seriously?”

I couldn’t believe she went that far for me. If she did all that, I had to win and repay her trust in me.

“Yeah. I think Ken-sensei really believes in you. So do your best today!”

“I will. Thank you.”

After filling out the necessary forms, I left for class.

 In the Classroom:

I spent my remaining time meditating and focusing my mind before the match.

“Hey, did you hear? An F-rank is joining the Rank Festival!”

“No way! That guy can’t even use any abilities. This is gonna be a joke!”

I heard some E-rank losers talking about me. They had abilities, but they were so useless that even A-rankers looked down on them too.

I guess they were venting their frustration by mocking me.

The weak always look down on those beneath them. That’s the reality of a meritocracy.

“The tournament brackets are here. Make sure to check your matchups.”

Our homeroom teacher, Yabuki, entered with the tournament chart.

Let me explain the Rank Festival.

It’s an annual tournament at ESP Academy, where students from all ranks—A to E—compete to determine the strongest ability user. Participation is voluntary, and depending on performance, one’s rank may increase. The tournament lasts three days and is open to students aged 14 and up.

Looking at the chart, I saw that I was set to fight in the second match.

That’s… sooner than I expected.

To make matters worse, the classroom idiots were still whispering.

“Whoa! That F-rank dude is fighting in the second round!”

“And his opponent is Banjo Oya, ‘The Void Walker’!”

“Oh man, this is going to be hilarious!”

I ignored them and left the classroom.

At the Arena:

I walked to ESP Academy’s arena; my palms were cold with sweat. I could feel the bl00d draining from my fingertips.

Was I really going to be okay?

Just then, Yu appeared from the other side.

“Tasku-nii! You look pale. Are you okay?”

She looked into my face, concerned.

“What? You think I’m that handsome?”

“This is no time for jokes! Are you really okay?”

“Y-Yeah. Just nervous, that’s all.”

“You get that nervous? Pfft—hahahaha!”

For some reason, she burst out laughing, holding her stomach. As she bent forward, her shirt shifted slightly, revealing a hint of cleavage.

Just a little more and I’d—no! What am I thinking?!

Oddly enough, my nerves settled a bit thanks to her.

“Here, take this.”

She pulled out something behind her. A simple water bottle popped out from her hand.

“Oh, thanks.”

“It’s a good luck charm. But you have to return it to me after you win, got it?”

She looked up at me with an innocent smile.

“I think I can manage at least one win. Just watch.”

“Yes! I’m rooting for you.”

With that, I entered the arena. The opening ceremony was about to begin.

***

Second Match: Tasku vs. Banjo Oya

I waited in the preparation room, meditating again while sipping what Yu has given..

“Sabe Tasku, get ready.”

Yabuki called for me.

“Got it.”

I slapped my thigh to wake up my body. I was in good shape. Focused.

“Sabu Tasku, please enter the arena.”

The announcement rang out.

I stepped through the curtain.

A 50-meter-diameter circular arena spread before me. Two white lines were drawn in the center. I walked straight toward them, waiting for my opponent.

The audience whispered.

Then, from the opposite side, Banjo Oya entered.

Cheers erupted. He was popular.

He had medium-length hair parted at the center, pale skin, and a good-looking face. He was about my height—maybe a bit taller.

He placed a hand over his face and muttered, “My name is (mumbled too low to hear).”

What was that? Something about him just rubbed me the wrong way.

“Both fighters, prepare your weapons!”

The announcer called out.

I prepared myself.

“Fight!!”