Even the burn scars, they suspect are a lie.

That body must surely 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. Dealing with these monsters is primarily the duty of Espers. Espers and Guides who awaken their powers later in life have come to be managed by the state.

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

Rank is constantly evaluated by the device issued at enrollment, categorized as S > A > B > C > D.

An Esper's stability can be checked via the device. The lower the value, the more physical and mental pain the Esper experiences. If they rampage, they are deemed dangerous individuals and targeted for elimination.

• Stability 100–75%: No care needed. Mentally stable.
• Stability 74–35%: Not at peak performance, but not at risk of rampaging.
• 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%: A warning alarm sounds from the device, 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 rampage. Regular care by a Guide is necessary. 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 contact area and the longer the contact time, the more stability tends to increase. However, it depends on the compatibility between the Esper and the Guide. If Guiding is performed between those with poor compatibility, 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 basically two-person rooms for an Esper and a Guide. Those who have signed a contract called a Bond may stay in the same room until graduation, but pairs usually change every academic year. The uniform is tactical wear.