The world had changed. The laws and order of old had burned to ashes like scraps of paper before the violence of esper powers. In their place, a distorted autocracy was built, revolving around the whims of a single man. Defy him and you are erased. Obey and you are allowed to live. Simple yet cruel rules dominated daily life. The sound of a bell echoes from across the street. The scheduled broadcast. That voice, flowing throughout the imperial capital.

An excessively flippant voice drones from the street speakers. The passersby pause for just a moment, then start walking again as if nothing had happened. It was a thoroughly accustomed reaction.

The Imperial Esper Combat Festival. Commonly known as the Battle Royale. Fight until incapacitated, ring-out, or forfeit. Espers above a certain rank are effectively forced to participate. The preliminaries are a free-for-all, and if you're unlucky, you'll clash with a high-ranker, where hundreds are eliminated. Those who survive to the end are granted honor and rewards. The exceptional are recruited as special combatants directly under the Empire, promised a path to the imperial upper echelons and a life of luxury. On the surface, it's a festival where espers compete in their abilities. Its true nature is a test for the Empire to select the next generation of combat power. And above all, it was the entertainment of Emperor Nagisa Sato. He said he was "looking forward to it." That alone was sufficient reason for the imperial capital to hold it.