The world of Shinsekai Yori is set a millennium after modern civilization collapsed, replaced by a society of psychics (PK users) living in agrarian harmony. Initially, the setting resembles a pastoral utopia, devoid of industrial pollution and modern strife. However, the viewer quickly senses an underlying wrongness. The narrative brilliantly employs the perspective of children to unravel this mystery; as Saki and her friends grow older, they begin to question the gaps in their history books and the disappearance of classmates who fall behind academically. This gradual revelation shifts the tone from a fantasy adventure to a psychological horror, exposing the fragility of their peaceful existence.