PSI (Psychic Strength Index) was first introduced to the public in 2020 as a method to measure just how strong an esper’s abilities are. Anyone could take the test anytime, assuming that they had enough money for the registration fee and were ready for mental stress. The PSI score is measured by calculating both one’s raw power and control, which directly affects how high a rank someone can obtain. Over time, more tests were developed for other Espers aiming to hone their skill even further – this led to the development of different types of exams with varying requirements. From combat-based tests like those held annually at Akibastar to more objective exams like the one held at Atsushi-city, which had rules created to minimize collateral damage. Most of the time, the top 10 people or so would be able to gain access into their respected esper schools (i.e., if you were first place in the psi exam in Nevada, then you’d probably be sent to Akibastar). The rest of them would remain as rank S espers where they are needed most…
That is unless they took part in any of these more specialized exams. These tests didn’t only manage to hone Esper’s abilities more efficiently than usual (due to its more intensive nature), they also managed to increase their PSI score by a lot more than expected! If someone’s PSI was only at the level of rank B, yet they still passed one of these exams, they would most likely be promoted to rank A! Of course, this wasn’t always the case. Sometimes, people who were already pretty decent could rise in ranks with exceptional scores even without taking part in any specialized tests. Others would fail miserably despite achieving good grades during an exam simply because their powers weren’t enough. Either way, it wouldn’t be weird for anyone to feel overwhelmed whenever they saw Golden-ranked espers right in front of them.
But then again, most people don’t even know that there are different kinds of exams other than the normal ones held annually during the Summer or Winter holidays! For example, last year, another one was held at the end of February for mid to high-level espers. The only reason why people didn’t find out about it until after it had already passed is that they were worried that its content would be too intense for average Esper students to handle! There’s no doubt that this particular exam would’ve caused quite a commotion throughout the country if it hadn’t been kept so secretive.
And now, we have yet another new kind of exam being added to the list: A combat-oriented examination for all level S espers on top of those who first pass an admission test during Spring break. Even worse, these exams will be taken individually instead of as a team like those held annually.
