The most significant bits of information we have about Bernhardt are these:
1. Henri says that he is of a different breed.
2. He evolved naturally to level 5.
3. Eisheth believes he is not normal.
Now let's analyze:
1. I find it extremely unlikely that 3 friends managed to reach the heighs of Superhuman power without some special cricumstances. Henri, Malik and Bernhardt have way too many things going for them. This can't be a coincidence. I think there may be an answer to be found by looking at why Nyx, Zack and Lucius are not like them despite being active for a similar amount of time.
2. Bramon says that in order to evolve to level 5, one has to meet some requirements. So since the 3 friends are the only ones who evolved naturally, they are also the only ones who have ever met requirements in the entirety of the human history. Perhaps meeting those requirements makes the Superhuman significantly stronger, aside from evolving.
3. Eisheth is a very unreliable source of information. Despite her knowledge, Superhumans are recent, the oldest being less than a century old. So she can't possibly know what is normal for them. The best we can take from this is that Bernhardt is at least as powerful as the strongest Chosen (probably more). Superhumans are genetically different than the rest of the monsters. We don't know the extend of their differences, but they can't infect and they can evolve.
One last bit that I want to mention is Henri. If you discuss evolutions with him, he says three important things:
- His quick evolution is the reason why he dresses like a clown.
- It's possible to lose control of your powers (could refer to monsterfication, but why would he be cryptic about a common phenomenon?)
- Evolution is not what is cracked up to be.
Bernhardt, Malik and Henri are the most distinct of all the Superhumans.
- Bernhardt is always levitating, air flows around him and he looks fairly old for his circumstances.
- Malik is covered in tattoos and he makes a lot of demonological references.
- Henri dresses like a clown.
Perhaps these things are part of meeting the requirements. Perhaps they have to accept their power in a certain way. Allow their powers to take control of themselves and reach a certain "connection" or "understanding".