In the XCEL series, Psyche (才気 Saiki) refers to the skillset relating to the use of psychic energy to actualise supernatural abilities, otherwise referred to as Psychic Arts (才気能力 Saiki Nōryoku). Psyche can only be used by someone that has successfully excelled—either by the Excel Ritual, or through a Phenomenon‘s Blessing, uniting the conscious and unconscious halves of their mind. A person who is able to use psyche is known as a Psyche User. The term “Psyche” itself is derived from the Greek term for “soul” or “spirit” (ψυχή).

Psyche in its purest form is meant to represent the true potential of the human mind, with the power to reshape reality to the practitioner’s whim. This power doesn’t come easily, and must be intensely cultivated through practice and internal discipline. It has existed under many names since the dawn of humanity.

Due to the inherent divide that exists between the conscious and unconscious halves of the human mind, the overwhelming majority of humanity remain inherently limited by their own perspective—an effect that causes otherwise preventable strife between people. Throughout history, only an infinitesimal minority have ever been able to utilise Psyche of their own merit. Those individuals, often at the religious or spiritual epicentre, became the subject of myth and legend. Psyche underpins all supernatural phenomena present in all world religions, as they are different cultural and historical attempts to rationalise of the same fundamental force that has perpetuated the entirety of the collective human unconscious since the beginning of time.