Chivalry of a Failed Knight
A failed knight and a prodigy forge their bond.
Chivalry of a Failed Knight is a Japanese light novel series written by Riku Misora and illustrated by Won, published in nineteen volumes from July 2013 to December 2023. The story is set in an alternate Earth where humans called Blazers possess supernatural abilities and materialize weapons called Devices, focusing on the relationship between F-Rank Blazer Ikki Kurogane and A-Rank prodigy Stella Vermillion as they train to become great knights. The series has also been adapted into a manga (March 2014–December 2017) and an anime (October–December 2015).
- type
- Light novel series
- author
- Riku Misora
- illustrator
- Won
- volumes
- 19 (July 2013–December 2023)
- genre
- Fantasy, action, romance
- print_copies_sold
- 1.5 million (as of February 2017)
Lore & Background
The series follows Ikki Kurogane, an F-Rank Blazer known as 'The Worst One' due to his low magical abilities, who is forced to repeat a year at Hagun Academy. He meets Stella Vermillion, an A-Rank Blazer and princess of the Vermillion Kingdom, who challenges him to a duel where the loser must obey the winner for life. Ikki wins but only asks that they become roommates, leading to a developing relationship as they train to qualify as representatives for the Seven Star Sword Art Festival. Ikki relies on a technique called 'Blade Steal' and later 'Perfect Vision' to predict opponents' moves, while Stella wields the Device Laevateinn and her Noble Art Katharterio Salamandra.
Reader's Guide
Chivalry of a Failed Knight is significant as a light novel series that blends fantasy action with romance, centering on the dynamic between a low-ranked protagonist and a high-ranked heroine. The series sold 1.5 million print copies by February 2017, indicating commercial success within the genre. Its anime adaptation aired from October to December 2015, expanding its audience. The story explores themes of perseverance and mutual growth, as Ikki overcomes his family's ill treatment and low magical capacity through hard work, while Stella learns humility despite her genius. The series also features a supporting cast including Ikki's sister Shizuku Kurogane, student council members like Toka Todo, and the enigmatic Nagi Arisuin, whose ties to the terrorist organization Rebellion add layers of conflict. The legacy of the series lies in its portrayal of a 'failed knight' who earns respect through skill and determination, challenging the typical power fantasy narrative.
Did You Know?
- The light novel series was published in nineteen volumes from July 2013 to December 2023.
- Ikki Kurogane is known as 'The Worst One' due to his F-Rank magical abilities.
- Stella Vermillion is the second princess of the Vermillion Kingdom and an A-Rank Blazer.
- The series sold 1.5 million print copies by February 2017.
More in Japanese fantasy novels 1-24
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record