Kryptonian 101:How to super speed.

The kids were not affected. We required puberty for our cellular matrix to be capable of breaking the energy threshold. So, there were no kids running around with superspeed—yet. 

Everyone else, however, had to adapt and learn to control their abilities. The sensory enhancements were the most uncomfortable at first. We had to learn to control our strength, and there was a lot of damage in the first few days before most of us adjusted. We were growing stronger, but at least it was gradual now. 

We were faster in both body and mind, which was easier to control but still a little uncomfortable. Thankfully, I had the foresight to line the walls, roofs, and floors with a sheet of lead when we were renovating our cities. 

Seeing in the electromagnetic spectrum was exhilarating—especially as a scientist. After we got a handle on control, which took only a few weeks, the military moved on to training, testing the limits, and trying to improve. 

About two months later, people began to feel the extra sense—magic. The council made a decision to form the Magi Guild of Krypton. Of course, there would be collaboration with the Science Guild for magitech and the Military Guild for offensive magic. 

Training programs for magic were provided to the masses, but they were limited to personal magic—no rituals or dangerous practices. Now that we had the power, I wanted to make sure we knew how to use it. I presented my case to the council, and it was decided that everyone would be required to learn the basics and intermediates of magic and martial arts. 

It was easy to learn. With faster minds and an abundance of energy, most people went further, mastering advanced techniques. Kryptonians are different from humans in terms of motivation, discipline, and dedication. 

---

### Seven Months Later 

Seven months after the transformation, Elona and I stood at the edge of the city. Krypton was bright now, with pale blue skies peeking through the constant thick clouds. The land beyond the city was almost barren, but we were already working on repopulating our planet and bringing more life to the few areas that had survived. We'd already solved the constant storms and shifting weather. It was only a matter of time before we made our planet beautiful again. 

I was proud of what I had achieved, together with my people. Now, we were the most powerful race in the universe—and no one knew… for now. 

My partner looked at me with a tilted head and a slight frown as I gazed at the horizon. 

"Kara, what are we doing here?" 

"We're going to race," I said with excitement. "And we're going to fly." 

I'd only flown short distances using magic or telekinesis, but this was different. My friend's eyes widened, and she practically shone with excitement. 

"Oh, a race, you say? You are so on!" She was bouncing on her feet, her excitement mirroring my own. 

"So, where's the finish line? And what's at stake?" 

"We finish when we reach Urrika. It's a straight line from here." 

She frowned in confusion. "What? There's an entire ocean between here and Urrika, Kara. Also, aren't we supposed to be on the other side of the city?" 

I grinned. "This makes it more fun. We get to run on land and water." 

"So, we can run on water? Neat." 

"Yeah, Jesus ain't got nothing on us. Anything can run on water if it's fast enough—and we are more than fast enough. So, are we doing this?" 

"Of course, we are. Get ready to see my behind." 

"That's what she said," I quipped, earning an eye roll from her. 

"You and your dirty mind." 

"Okay, ready?" 

We got into position, parallel to each other, with our feet on the line I'd drawn earlier. 

"Go!" 

With that, we took off with a crack on the ground. It was exhilarating. We'd trained on the "super" treadmill, but this was actually running—running at impossible speeds. A few seconds later, I felt a slight resistance, which I pushed through with minimal effort, and the world went silent. 

Holy shit, I just broke the sound barrier! 

I had a huge smile on my face as I ran, feeling the air hitting my face and just feeling free. It dawned on me that I had superpowers. Yes, I'd had superpowers for years, and some would say they were more impressive—and I would agree they were impressive—but they weren't this exhilarating, this freeing. Maybe it was just that this was the first time I'd cut loose and used my abilities without restraint. The previous times were for practice or something functional. 

Yes, I loved that I could create matter with a thought. It was fun, but it wasn't this joyful. 

I saw Elona further ahead of me, pulling away. I'd let her pass me while I was riding the high of breaking the sound barrier. I grinned and put on more speed, covering the distance in a few seconds. She was waiting for me. 

When I caught up with her, she turned to me, and I could see the same joy on her face that I was feeling. We mirrored each other's smiles for a few seconds, and then I jumped, leaving her with a confused frown. 

The exhilaration redoubled as I soared 700 meters into the air, jumping over a mountain. I sailed through the sky in an arc and landed, breaking the earth and continuing. I was smiling all the way to the ocean, where the terrain changed, forcing me to zigzag, slow down, and jump to avoid causing damage. 

I took my first step on the water, and before gravity and density could say anything, I was taking the next step, and the next… I was running on water. 

I saw a small island ahead and stepped on it hard to power my jump, sinking the little thing. My jump took me into the sky, but this time, when I reached the peak of my arc, I didn't come back down. 

This was my first time flying without restraint, without worrying about damaging my body. *Let me test the limits.* 

I pushed for more speed, and the world shrank. In an instant, I was on the other side of the ocean. I cut off my momentum and stopped immediately—not slowed down, just stopped. 

I was standing on the shore of Urrika. I had crossed the ocean in less than a minute, and I could go faster. 

What had I created? How powerful were we? And we were still growing? Rao, what have I done? What have I created? 

Elona arrived only a second later and saw me looking at my hands in horror. 

"Rao! Kara, that was amazing! That was absolutely amazing! I broke the sound barrier, Kara! I ran on water! I flew! I freaking flew! It was easier than I expected, and it was so much fa—Kara, are you okay?" 

She looked at me with eyes filled with concern as I continued to stare at my hands, though I could see her from the corner of my eyes. I turned to look at her and saw the concern there, the love for me, the protectiveness. I thought of her excitement, the joy she had just shown. 

I thought of my family—my parents, aunts, and uncles. I thought of Alana, my friends from work, the people I saw on the streets every day. I thought of my baby cousin and what he'd feel when he finally got his powers. 

A smile formed on my face. These were my people. Krypton was my home, and I had given them power. 

I. Had. Given. Them. Power. 

Elona looked confused by my smile, a touch more concerned. 

"I was having a minor existential crisis about how I'd given people so much power, but I'm fine now. I'm fine with giving my people power." 

Elona relaxed into a soft smile. "Honestly, Kara, you've given us more than power. You've given us life. I mean, you got us to live, not just to survive but to thrive. Look at me—I'm a specialist in the military with a reputation. Ten years ago, I was treated as a second-class citizen. Now, we're treated as equals, and you made that happen." 

I shifted my weight and ducked my head, slightly embarrassed. Elona was looking at me with a face filled with admiration. 

"That was my mother and uncle's doing. They're really good at politics." 

Elona rolled her eyes. "Yeah, but it was your idea and suggestion. Take a compliment, will ya?" 

I floated up to the top of the cliff that dropped to the sea, Elona following behind. I turned around and sat down with my legs hanging, and Elona sat to my left, leaning her head on my shoulder. 

We sat there and watched the sunset. It was a beautiful sunset.