Chivalry of a Failed Knight

At the academy where magic knights wield weapons grown from their own life force, Ikki Kurogane is known as the worst student. He seems to lack any real magic and repeatedly falls short of the standard. Then Stella Vermillion, a foreign princess and the top scholar, challenges him to a duel with a life changing wager: the loser must obey the winner forever. The contest kicks off a charged rivalry that blends tactical tricks with explosive battles, set against rival houses and school politics. As Ikki fights to prove himself, he discovers that clever planning and stubborn resolve can level the playing field when raw power falls short. The show follows his attempts to balance strength, strategy, and the unexpected friendships he makes along the way.

Directed by Shin Oonuma, the series aired in 2015 and adapts Shogo Yasukawa's light novel. Produced by Silver Link, it pairs crisp animation with kinetic action as magic and technology fuse in an academy setting. The adaptation centers on Ikki and Stella's rivalry.

Critics praised its brisk tempo and smooth animation, though some viewers felt the fan service and harem elements weighed on the narrative. The show explores underdog perseverance, the tension between raw magical power and clever strategy, and the value of friendship under pressure. It asks how far a student can rise when the odds seem stacked against them and how rivalries can spark both growth and conflict.

Chivalry of a Failed Knight sits at the crossroads of fantasy sci fi and school tournament storytelling, influencing later anime that blend technology with magic. Its memorable duels and dynamic exchanges helped popularize a breed of confident, capable female leads alongside steadfast underdogs. The series is often cited by fans when discussing how style and character chemistry can elevate a conventional battle premise.

Box office figures do not apply to a TV series. Instead, the show's reach was driven by licensing deals, streaming availability, and home video sales. Viewers encountered it through simulcasts and Blu ray releases rather than any worldwide gross.