The document below is one of the first to be released by the L.A.R.C.S, and explains an important effect relating to Endogenic Abilities and the human body. The information has been consistently updated and remains in use since its creation in the early 1930s.
L.A.R.C.S Document Number 5: The Charles Atlas Effect
The Charles Atlas Effect is a unique and noteworthy effect of the human body, both in those with Endogenic Abilities and those with average physical traits. To properly explain this effect, it will be split into two categories.
In those with Endogenic Abilities, the Charles Atlas Effect refers to the tendency for their body to have traits that allow them to use their ability more easily. It was first documented in Charles Atlas, a man known widely as "The First Superhuman" who would become one of the L.A.R.C.S of America's first S Rank Members. Charles Atlas himself had a simple Ability known as Power, which granted him a passive increase in physical strength. As he trained himself to increase this naturally high strength, it was noted that this wasn't all that increased. Back then, Abilities were thought to be much simpler, and it was thought that even a basic strength enhancer could do only what the name and description implied. However, Charles Atlas was noted to become more durable and faster through his training, and it was documented that his Ability had secondary effects on his body. Its details were researched until a conclusion was reached; In order to so much as even survive using that much strength without crippling injury, his Ability also granted a passive increase in durability through muscular density, as well as increasing his speed through leg strength. Through fine tuning of his body and understanding of it, Charles Atlas exploited this effect to rise through the ranks and gladly shared the details on it. As a result, everyone with an Endogenic Ability learned that their bodies could do more than just one thing. Someone with a speed enhancement would have naturally greater stamina, endurance, and possibly durability. A person with a size enhancing Ability would gain the strength, durability, and endurance needed to avoid collapsing under their own increased mass. These are just two examples of the effect in Endogenic Abilities, and more continue to be documented to this day.
Without an Endogenic Ability, the Charles Atlas Effect is a special trait that humans developed alongside Abilities thanks to the Tunguska Event. This trait is the body's ability to adapt and grow even further than previously thought. With enough training, a person can be capable of what are often considered "Borderline-Superhuman Feats." These include striking hard enough to damage durable materials, moving fast enough to temporarily disappear from sight, and gaining the durability and endurance needed to survive things that would injure or kill an untrained, unenhanced person. L.A.R.C.S Members who lack an Endogenic Ability are recommended to train until they've reached the Borderline-Superhuman level, both for the sake of survivability and to increase their effectiveness. In order to provide the resources necessary for this training, equipment and instructors are available at L.A.R.C.S Training Sites, as well as each Regional HQ possessing a room for sparring and training sessions.
Countermeasures for the Charles Atlas Effect
It should be noted that the Charles Atlas Effect can be both a blessing and a curse. Those with Endogenic Abilities who become threats can exploit this effect for dangerous results. To deal with such situations, several common countermeasures have been recorded below.
Suffocation - A person with an increase in durability isn't likely to have an increase in breath capacity, or lack the need to breathe. Unless a person's Ability specifically alters their breathing in some way, suffocating them is a good way to incapacitate and defeat them, both lethally and nonlethally.
Overwhelming - Regardless of a person's specific Ability and the effects of it, the human body still has limits. If pushed to and beyond them, a person can be defeated regardless of their capabilities.
Weakness Exploitation - There are various weaknesses most people share throughout the body that could be exploited. These (usually) include the eyes, groin, pressure points, joints, the liver, the back of the head, and various other areas. Not every person is guaranteed to share these weak points, but making use of them can still prove beneficial. In addition, every Ability has weaknesses, limitations, drawbacks, and conditions. Learning these details in combat and exploiting them could be the difference between life and death.
