All people on Unios are born with a gene that gives them the ability to enhance their abilities. This is known as Overreach, and has two different expressions, depending on whether or not someone is born with an Aer Cortex.
Those born with an Aer Cortex, for a limited time, see their magical abilities enhanced. Normally, people don’t use all of their Aer Cortex, and Overreach sees them temporarily breaking their limits. However, it leaves them exhausted afterwards, usually with a bad headache.
For those without an Aer Cortex, they have access to what is known as Latent Overreach. Due to their lack of magical ability, Latent Overreach instead enhances their physical capabilities. They both perceive the world around them more slowly and move more quickly.