Origins

Superhumans are the titular focus of the Superhuman story. Dubbed "Homo Maius" by Bramon Xanthe, they are humans who have reached symbiosis with monster infection and gained powers without becoming monsters.

Origins

According to ancient monsters like Aglaecwif and Valravn, it is in the nature of monsters to spread their genes, traits, or powers. It is fundamental to their reason and method for existence. Therefore, it is likely that most, if not all, monsters have the ability to pass on their traits to other life forms. Normally when a human is infected by a monster, their bodies enter a stage where their unique trait manifests within the body as 'monster genes' which attempts to interact with and mutate the natural human genes. About 15% of humans are genetically resilient so their bodies may fight off the monster genes, preventing the mutation. If this occurs, the human remains entirely human and sees no changes to their bodies. About 25% of humans are genetically vulnerable, their body will make no attempt to fight the monster gene, allowing for excessive mutation. In this case, the human will turn into a monster of the same sort that infected it. About 40% of humans are too genetically vulnerable and physically weak so the infection will outright kill them. The final 20% are genetically susceptible, but with a resilient physiology. These humans will fight off the monster gene to an extent, but not before it permanently mutates them, creating a superhuman.

These numbers are only a statistical average. Individual physical and mental compatibility with the monster involved can greatly swing any particular infection's results. Additionally, while framed as a failure of the monsterfication process (to monsters), some intelligent monsters may aim to deliberately produce superhumans for their own reasons. Ella Vulpe conjectures that all superhumans are on some level made for a reason, and that a fully evolved superhuman is ready to be used for their intended purpose.

The immediate result of a successful infection is that the person begins dying, their regular human body unable to withstand the forced evolution. During this first evolution the body is broken down and remade into a new superhuman form, giving the impression that the superhuman has died and then come back to life. The physical appearance of this process is different for every superhuman, based on the nature of the powers they are receiving. Danica Gorman for example, quite literally fell to pieces after her infection by M65: Gestas, the MC dissolved into liquid, and Liz and Amber Foxglove were torn to shreds by the M52: Strength Eaters that infected them.