Prologue: The Rise of the “Ios”
From the late 19th to early 20th century, a surge of extraordinary individuals emerged across the globe. Known as the “Anomalous Humans,” these people possessed supernatural abilities, indistinguishable in appearance from ordinary humans but displaying unprecedented potential in certain aspects. This phenomenon quickly drew worldwide attention and sparked extensive research.
In China, these new beings were called the “Feiniao” — literally “Flying Birds.” The name symbolized their evolutionary leap: humans who had grown wings, embodying humanity’s next stage of evolution. Interestingly, this name wasn’t originally coined by Chinese scholars, but by German and French academics at the turn of the century. While studying these gifted individuals, researchers found references in ancient Greek texts describing entities with similar extraordinary powers. Although these texts offered no specific names, their descriptions closely matched what we now call “Anomalous Humans.”
Borrowing from ancient Greek, they adopted the term “ios” — a word that hinted at their extraordinary nature and carried a mythic aura, as if these beings had stepped out from legend into reality.
This term gained wide acceptance and even influenced the tech world. The renowned Apple corporation’s “iOS” operating system name subtly echoes this origin, embodying innovation and a spirit of transformation.
While countries interpret and study “ios” differently, common traits emerge: most ios individuals look indistinguishable from regular humans, and their abilities often manifest uncontrollably. The vast majority of ios cannot fully control their powers—some don’t even realize they possess them until triggered by unusual circumstances.
I am Lumos, the director of the ios Research Institute in the United States, a descendant of Chinese heritage many generations removed. Our institute dedicates itself to understanding the ios phenomenon, providing comprehensive data and insights to society worldwide. As a descendant of a traditional Chinese family, I deeply appreciate cultural heritage and diversity, and I firmly believe that as the ios population rises, global society must abandon fear and prejudice. Researchers like us must strive to foster understanding, break down misconceptions, and promote harmonious coexistence.
Yet recent political developments have complicated this mission. The newly inaugurated U.S. president, Donald Trump, openly declared, “No one understands the Flying Birds (ios) better than me,” and controversially claimed that the highest concentration of ios lived in impoverished urban slums—assertions unsupported by any evidence. These remarks ignited controversy, fueled regional discrimination, and intensified racial prejudice against ios communities. By linking ios with poverty and the underclass, the president’s rhetoric deepened societal biases and misunderstandings.
As the leader of the ios Research Institute, I carry a heavy responsibility to correct these false narratives through rigorous research and outreach, aiming to dispel ignorance and discrimination.
With the increasing ios population, society’s attitude is evolving. Some humans react with fear and rejection; others seek to understand and embrace this new form of humanity. Scientific communities have established multiple institutions to study the abilities and origins of these “Flying Birds,” striving to carve out a more equitable and inclusive place for them.
This book presents the stories and struggles of the ios through my perspective, exploring how they carve out their place in a complex world. The Flying Birds represent a possible path for future evolution, a bridge between humanity and the unknown. Through these accounts, I hope the world will come to better understand them, break down prejudice, and achieve true coexistence.
