Speed of Light

Background

Speed of Light is the ability to move, react, or attack at the same velocity as light itself, typically measured at 299,792,458 meters per second in a vacuum. Characters with this capability can traverse vast distances in an instant, dodge or intercept beams of energy, and operate on a level far beyond even superhuman speedsters. This ability is often associated with beings of immense physical prowess, cosmic entities, or those who wield powers connected to light or energy itself.

Unlike Superhuman Speed, moving at the speed of light introduces unique challenges: the user must contend with relativistic effects such as time dilation, spatial distortion, and the enormous destructive impact of collisions at such velocity. Some users bypass these drawbacks through innate physiology, advanced technology, or manipulation of the laws of physics.

Also Called

• Lightspeed
• Luminal Velocity
• C-Speed Movement

Possible Applications

• Travel across planetary or interstellar distances nearly instantaneously.
• Dodge or intercept light-based attacks by matching their velocity.
• Deliver strikes with extreme force due to relativistic momentum.
• Perceive events and react faster than those operating at lower speeds.
• Evade detection or tracking by conventional means due to sheer velocity.
• Access higher levels of Perception to process information while moving at light speed.

Practical Uses

• Engage in combat against other high-speed opponents without being outmatched.
• Escape dangerous environments or lethal attacks by outrunning them.
• Perform reconnaissance or scouting over vast distances in seconds.
• Surpass physical barriers or travel through mediums that would otherwise be limiting.
• Execute surgical strikes or rescues in less than a blink of an eye.

Applications

• Partial Lightspeed: The user can move at velocities approaching, but not fully reaching, the speed of light.
• Combat Lightspeed: The user can fight, react, and dodge at lightspeed, not just travel.
• True Lightspeed: The user moves exactly at 299,792,458 m/s, functioning at light’s natural velocity.
• Surpassing Lightspeed: The user breaks beyond light’s velocity, entering realms of Faster Than Light.

Possible Limitations

• Collisions at such velocity can obliterate both the user and their surroundings.
• Biological systems may be unable to withstand the strain without special physiology or protection.
• Requires equally advanced perception to function effectively at light speed.
• May be limited to bursts or short distances to prevent energy exhaustion.
• In certain universes, natural laws may prevent achieving true lightspeed without external powers.