After an eight-month delay, Our Last Crusade or the Rise of a New World Season 2 is set to resume airing on April 10. Kadokawa made the announcement, bringing relief to fans who have been eagerly awaiting the continuation of the anime series. The season was put on hold in August 2024, after the fourth episode, to address production quality concerns.
Reasons Behind the Delay
The production committee for Our Last Crusade or the Rise of a New World announced the postponement of Episode 5 and subsequent episodes in August 2024. The primary reason cited was “to maintain the quality of the main story”. Kei Sazane, the original author of the light novel series, acknowledged concerns about the visual quality in some parts of the animation. The production team took these concerns seriously, leading to the decision to halt broadcasting and streaming to ensure the final product met expectations. This decision reflects the intense demands of the anime industry, where maintaining high production standards can sometimes necessitate schedule adjustments.
Re-airing Schedule and Premiere of New Episodes
The anime will begin re-airing from the first episode on April 10 on AT-X, Tokyo MX, and BS11, with ABC TV following on April 12. Streaming will also commence on d Anime Store on April 10, with other Japanese streaming services joining on April 15. The premiere of the previously delayed episodes, starting with Episode 5, is scheduled for May 8. Kadokawa has also announced the release dates for the second season’s Blu-ray Disc volumes, with the first volume (episodes 1-6) releasing on August 27 and the second volume (episodes 7-12) on September 26.
Broadcasting Platforms in Japan
- AT-X
- Tokyo MX
- BS11
- ABC TV
Streaming Platforms in Japan
- d Anime Store
- Other streaming services (from April 15)
Where to Watch
Crunchyroll is currently streaming the new season, including an English dub, for members in North America, Central America, South America, Europe, Africa, Oceania, the Middle East, and CIS.
Production Details
Yuki Inaba (KamiKatsu: Working for God in a Godless World) is directing Season 2 at Studio Palette and SILVER LINK. The studios are collaborating on the animation production, with Studio Palette credited for series composition. Kaori Yoshikawa is responsible for character designs, and Elements Garden is composing the music.
Key Production Staff
- Director: Yuki Inaba
- Animation Production: Studio Palette and SILVER LINK
- Series Composition: Studio Palette
- Character Designer: Kaori Yoshikawa
- Music: Elements Garden
Premise of Our Last Crusade or the Rise of a New World
Our Last Crusade or the Rise of a New World is set against the backdrop of a long-standing war between the scientifically advanced Empire and the Nebulis Sovereignty, a land of witches. The story follows Iska, an imperial swordsman, and Aliceliese, a witch princess, who are destined to fight each other. Despite being enemies, they share a desire for peace and are drawn to one another.
Yen Press, which licenses the light novel, describes the premise as: “For years, a great war has raged on between the scientifically advanced Empire and a paradise of witches known as the Nebulis Sovereignty. This age-old battle sets the scene for a fateful encounter between two young combatants: an imperial swordsman, Iska, and the witch princess, Aliceliese. As sworn enemies, they vow to cut each other down in order to unite their worlds, and yet Iska finds himself entranced by her beauty and righteousness, while Aliceliese is moved by his strength and resolve. In the midst of a never-ending war that forbids them from being together, they have no choice but to destroy each other—or can they find another way?”
Season 2 Story and Expectations
Season 2 picks up with Iska and Aliceliese continuing to meet on the battlefield, drawn together despite their duties. Aliceliese’s younger sister, Sisbell, plays a significant role, impacting the dynamic between Iska and Aliceliese. Iska infiltrates the Sovereignty as a guard, leading to a reunion with Aliceliese. The season promises deeper emotions, inner conflicts, and revelations about the world they inhabit. New characters, like Salinger, will also be introduced, shaking up alliances and power dynamics.
Key Plot Points in Season 2:
- Deeper emotional and inner conflicts between Iska and Alice
- Introduction of new characters like Salinger
- Escalation of the war, revealing the true reasons behind the conflict
- New powers, weapons, and combat techniques
Characters
- Iska: A master swordsman from the Empire, seeking to end the war.
- Aliceliese Lou Nebulis IX (Alice): The “Ice Calamity Witch” and princess of the Nebulis Sovereignty, with powerful ice-based magic.
- Sisbell Lou Nebulis IX: Alice’s younger sister, with a psychometric ability called “Lamplight.”
Other Characters:
- Millavair Lou Nebulis VIII: Queen of the Nebulis Sovereignty and mother to Alice and Sisbell.
Anime Production
The first season of Our Last Crusade or the Rise of a New World was animated by Silver Link and aired from October to December 2020. Shin Ōnuma and Mirai Minato directed the first season, with Kento Shimoyama handling series composition and Kaori Sato as character designer. The opening theme song for the first season is “Senaka Awase” by AliA, and the ending theme song is “Para Bellum” by Sizuk.
