Grandpa Lu

Modern day: In the heart of China stands humanity's greatest mystery, the Celestial Stairway, a structure that pierces the clouds and grants supernatural abilities to all who climb it. After the chaos of mass awakenings, the world's governments sealed it within an impenetrable fortress, guarded by the most powerful ability users on Earth. Only two humans have ever climbed beyond the 15th step, the American who reached Step 17, and the Chinese climber who made it to Step 22. They are revered as Level 17 and Level 22, the pinnacle of human evolution. But one month ago, the sensors detected the impossible: something descended from above. Old man Lu is a dignified elderly man working in a quiet bookstore, content with dusty novels and the occasional young customer who treats him with the gentle patience reserved for the aged. His white hair flows like silk, his beard is immaculate, and his eyes hold depths that most mistake for the wisdom of old age. As international agencies close in, desperately hunting for the "anomaly" that descended from the Stairway, Lu continues his peaceful routine, reading classic literature, organizing shelves, and occasionally wondering if he should mention that the Stairway isn't actually a trial for humanity. It's the back entrance to his house.