Kimi to Boku no Saigo no Senjou, Aruiwa Sekai ga Hajimaru Seisen

Our Last Crusade or the Rise of a New World

Characters

Iska

MAIN

Aliceliese Lou Nebulis IX

MAIN

Millavair Lou Nebulis VIII

SUPPORTING

Sisbell Lou Nebulis IX

SUPPORTING

Mismis Klass

SUPPORTING

Elletear Lou Nebulis IX

SUPPORTING

Jhin Syulargun

SUPPORTING

Salinger

SUPPORTING

Nene Alkastone

SUPPORTING

Shanorotte Gregory

SUPPORTING

Rin Vispose

SUPPORTING

Kissing Zoa Nebulis IX

SUPPORTING

Risya In Empire

SUPPORTING

Tentei Yunmerungen

SUPPORTING

Nameless

SUPPORTING

Our Last Crusade or the Rise of a New World: Season 1 – A Tale of Love and War in a Divided Realm

Our Last Crusade or the Rise of a New World (also known as Kimi to Boku no Saigo no Senjō, Aruiwa Sekai ga Hajimaru Seisen) is a Japanese light novel series by Kei Sazane that was adapted into a 12-episode anime for its first season, which aired from October 7 to December 23, 2020. Produced by Silver Link, the series blends action, fantasy, and romance in a world torn by war, drawing viewers into a narrative that echoes the star-crossed lover archetype of Romeo and Juliet, set against a backdrop of magical and technological conflict. Season 1 introduces the central characters, their motivations, and the complex dynamics of a world divided by ideology, delivering a visually engaging and emotionally charged story that leaves audiences eager for more.

The Premise: A World at War

The story unfolds in a world split between two opposing factions: the technologically advanced Heavenly Empire and the magically inclined Nebulis Sovereignty. For a century, these nations have waged a brutal war, each viewing the other as an existential threat. The Empire relies on science and military might, while Nebulis harnesses astral magic, wielded by its sorcerers. This ideological and cultural divide sets the stage for the central conflict and the unlikely romance at the heart of the series.

The narrative focuses on two young protagonists: Iska, a skilled swordsman and the youngest Saint Disciple of the Empire, and Aliceliese Lou Nebulis IX, a powerful astral mage and princess of the Nebulis Sovereignty. Their chance encounter on the battlefield sparks a connection that defies their roles as enemies, setting the stage for a story about love, duty, and the hope for peace in a world consumed by hatred.

Plot Overview: A Dance of Ideals and Bonds

Season 1 follows Iska, who earns the title of Saint Disciple for his combat prowess but is imprisoned after defying orders to save an astral mage. Released on the condition that he hunt down the Nebulis Sovereignty’s Ice Calamity Witch, Iska is thrust back into the war. Meanwhile, Aliceliese (Alice), the aforementioned witch and a Nebulis princess, seeks to end the conflict that has ravaged her nation. Their paths cross during a mission, and despite their opposing allegiances, they discover shared dreams of peace and a mutual respect that blossoms into something deeper.

The season unfolds across 12 episodes, blending intense action sequences with quieter moments of character development. Iska’s team—consisting of Captain Mismis Klass, Jhin Syulargun, and Nene Alkastone—adds camaraderie and humor, grounding the Empire’s perspective. On the Nebulis side, Alice is accompanied by her loyal attendant Rin Vispose, whose devotion and cunning provide a counterbalance to Alice’s idealism. The narrative alternates between skirmishes, political intrigue, and the growing bond between Iska and Alice, who must navigate their feelings while fulfilling their duties as soldiers.

Key episodes highlight pivotal moments:

• Episode 1 introduces Iska and Alice’s first meeting, establishing their chemistry and the stakes of their conflict.
• Episodes 4-6 delve into their ideological differences and mutual respect as they face off in a neutral city, hinting at the possibility of cooperation.
• Episodes 10-12 escalate the tension with the introduction of Nebulis’ royal family and the mysterious Founder, setting up a climactic battle that tests Iska and Alice’s resolve.

The season explores themes of prejudice, loyalty, and the cost of war, with Iska and Alice questioning the narratives their nations uphold. Their interactions—often marked by banter, mutual admiration, and moments of vulnerability—form the emotional core of the series, even as larger forces conspire to keep them apart.

Characters: The Heart of the Story

• Iska: Voiced by Yusuke Kobayashi (Japanese) and Aleks Le (English), Iska is a principled warrior who wields the Astral Swords, unique weapons capable of countering magic. His desire for peace stems from his experiences in war, making him a compelling mix of idealism and pragmatism.
• Aliceliese Lou Nebulis IX: Voiced by Sora Amamiya (Japanese) and Emily Neves (English), Alice is a powerful mage with a kind heart and a fierce determination to protect her people. Her growing affection for Iska creates an internal conflict between duty and desire.
• Supporting Cast: Characters like Mismis (a clumsy but endearing captain), Jhin (a sharp-tongued sniper), and Rin (Alice’s fiercely loyal aide) add depth and levity, while antagonists like Salinger and the Nebulis royal family introduce political complexity.

The voice acting, particularly in the Japanese dub, enhances the emotional weight of the characters’ interactions, with Amamiya and Kobayashi delivering standout performances during Iska and Alice’s heartfelt exchanges.

Animation and Sound: A Visual and Auditory Treat

Silver Link’s animation shines in Season 1, particularly during action sequences. The choreography of Iska’s swordplay and Alice’s astral magic—ranging from ice constructs to explosive energy blasts—is fluid and visually striking. The contrast between the Empire’s sleek, mechanical aesthetic and Nebulis’ ethereal, magical environments reinforces the story’s central divide. Background art, from war-torn battlefields to vibrant neutral cities, adds immersion to the world-building.

The soundtrack, composed by Elements Garden, complements the tone with a mix of orchestral and electronic tracks. The opening theme, “Against” by Kaori Ishihara, captures the tension and romance of the series, while the ending, “Koori no Torikago” by Sora Amamiya, adds a melancholic touch. Sound effects during battles, like the clash of Iska’s swords or the crackle of Alice’s magic, heighten the intensity.

Themes and Reception: Love Amidst Chaos

Season 1 excels in exploring the tension between personal desires and societal expectations. Iska and Alice’s romance is not just a plot device but a lens through which the series examines the futility of war and the power of empathy. The show doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of their world—betrayal, sacrifice, and manipulation—but maintains an optimistic tone through its leads’ belief in a better future.

Critically, the season received mixed praise. Fans lauded the chemistry between Iska and Alice, the vibrant animation, and the balance of action and romance. However, some criticized the pacing, noting that the 12-episode run struggled to fully develop the supporting cast and the broader political landscape. The season’s cliffhanger ending, introducing new threats and unresolved tensions, left viewers hungry for a continuation, which was later confirmed with Season 2.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

Our Last Crusade tapped into the anime community’s love for fantasy romances with high-stakes conflicts, drawing comparisons to series like The Vision of Escaflowne and Romeo x Juliet. Its exploration of prejudice and peace resonated with audiences, sparking discussions on platforms like X about the parallels to real-world ideological divides. The series also inspired merchandise, from figurines of Iska and Alice to art books showcasing Silver Link’s designs.

Conclusion: A Promising Start

Season 1 of Our Last Crusade or the Rise of a New World delivers a compelling blend of action, romance, and world-building, anchored by the magnetic dynamic between Iska and Alice. While it occasionally stumbles with pacing, its strong character moments, vibrant visuals, and thought-provoking themes make it a standout in the fantasy anime genre. The season sets up a larger conflict, teasing the potential for both heartbreak and hope as the war between the Empire and Nebulis escalates. For fans of star-crossed romances and epic battles, Season 1 is a captivating introduction to a world where love might just be the key to peace.

Where to Watch: The series is available on platforms like Crunchyroll and Funimation (as of 2025, check regional availability). For those interested in pricing for premium subscriptions to access the show, visit https://www.crunchyroll.com or https://www.funimation.com for details.