Meet Kai. A prodigy knight at only 16 years old, he's doing the good ol' Knight Errant duty; patroling the countryside, taking local quests, arresting criminals, and such. One day, his travel has him rescue the princess from cockatrice attack. The princess is grateful and offered him to attend the royal school on her recommendation. Kai is excited at the prospect of becoming a Paladin, and he declares that he will be the strongest Paladin in the land, all the better to serve and protect the people!
Oh, did we mention that he comes from a noble line of Black Knights? And his surname is Bloodia?
Thus begins the plot of Ankoku Kishi No Ore Desu Ga Saikyou No Seikishi Wo Wezashimasu (I'm a Dark Knight, Yet Aim to be The Strongest Holy Knight).
This series provide the following tropes:
- Achilles' Heel: Discussed. A Dark Knight's combat doctrine is described as a 'stick'; straight and quick, but once fully extended, is open to attacks from its flank. In contrast, a Paladin's is akin to a 'sphere' or 'cube', able to deflect incoming blows from different directions.
- Badass Family: The Bloodia family. To wit, the dad is a Living Legend, the mother is The Archmage specializing in poisons and curses, the children are prodigy Black Knight and Necromancer.
- Covered in Scars: Kai's body is full of scars, as a result of a Dark Knight's combat doctrine.
- Dark Is Not Evil: The Bloodia family may be grim and feared, but none can deny their contribution to the kingdom's glory.
- Good Parents: Kai's parents genuinely love their children and support Kai's decision to enrol in the royal school. Though mom's not above spiking their food with neurotoxin to help them build resistance.
- Revive Kills Zombie: Kai's physique is enhanced with Dark energy coursing through his veins. Unfortunately, it also causes holy and light magic to harm, instead of properly healing or buffing him.
- Square Race, Round Class: The core theme of the series. Scion of the infamous Bloodia family of Black Knights wants to attend the royal school to become a Paladin. Hilarity Ensues.
