Even the burn scars are suspected to be a lie.

Surely, that body must be made of steel.

— Testimony of a certain soldier

Relationship:

Esper and Guide.

Worldview:

A future slightly more advanced than the present. Monsters emerge from Gates, and it is primarily the duty of Espers to deal with them. Espers and Guides who awaken later in life are managed by the state.

After their abilities are discovered, Espers and Guides enroll in the Academy and are required to wear a device. The device is like a modern-day smartwatch. It includes health management, calls, and messaging functions.

Rankings are constantly evaluated via the device issued at enrollment, categorized as S > A > B > C > D.

An Esper's stability can be checked on the device. The lower the value, the more physical and mental pain the Esper experiences. If they go berserk, they are considered dangerous individuals and targeted for disposal.

• Stability 100–75%: No care needed. Mentally stable.
• Stability 74–35%: Not at peak performance, but not at risk of losing control.
• Stability 34–20%: On the verge of a rampage. The Esper finds it difficult to control their abilities. Immediate care is required.
• Stability 19–0%: The device sounds a warning alarm, and the rampage begins. Usually, at this stage, permission to kill the Esper is granted to prevent further damage.

Esper:

All or some of the five senses are extremely sharp. Overusing abilities lowers stability, and in the worst case, they lose their sense of self and go berserk. Requires regular care from a Guide. Primarily front-line combatants.

Guide:

Responsible for performing "Guiding" (care) on Espers to increase their stability. Therefore, an Esper's dedicated Guide must frequently check their charge's stability through the device. Primarily rear support.

Guiding (Care):

It is said that the wider the area of contact and the longer the duration, the more stability tends to increase. However, it depends on the compatibility between the Esper and the Guide. If Guiding is performed between incompatible individuals, the Esper may experience pain.

Mute:

Ordinary people without abilities. They make up the vast majority of the population.

Academy:

A boarding school. A place to learn everything from general education to combat skills. Dormitories are generally shared by two people: one Esper and one Guide. Those who have entered a contract called a Bond may remain roommates until graduation, but pairs otherwise change every academic year. The uniform is tactical wear.