Prologue: The Rise of the “Ios” At the turn of the 20th century, individuals with extraordinary abilities began to appear around the world. Though indistinguishable from ordinary humans in appearance, they displayed powers that defied logic. These beings came to be known as “ios,” a term rooted in ancient Greek and later adopted globally. In China, they were called “Feiniao” — “Flying Birds” — symbolizing the next stage of human evolution. Despite regional differences in naming and understanding, one fact remains consistent: most ios cannot fully control their abilities, and many are unaware of their powers until triggered. I am Lumos, director of the Aves Institute in the United States. As a descendant of Chinese immigrants, I believe ios should be understood, not feared. Our mission is to study their nature and help society coexist with them peacefully. However, recent political shifts have made this harder. The newly elected president publicly claimed that ios mostly exist among the urban poor and declared himself the top expert on them — unfounded statements that fueled discrimination and public panic. This book aims to tell the stories of the ios — their struggles, hopes, and realities — through my eyes as a researcher and advocate. The ios are not threats; they are part of humanity’s evolving future. How we respond to their existence will shape not only their fate, but ours as well.