The two of us entered the school complex, stopping in front of a large map near the entrance.
"Looks like the principal's office is at the very end," I remarked, tracing my finger along the layout.
Sansula nodded, and we began walking down the long corridor together.
"Say, Sansula..."
"Yeah?"
"Why did you apply to this school?"
He hesitated for a moment before answering. "Because I wanted something new. Something different."
I glanced at him. "What was your life like before enrolling?"
"I can't disclose that." His tone was guarded.
I smirked. "I already know you're a soldier. And that you're here to guard Princess Maeve."
His expression flickered with surprise before turning serious. "Hey..."
"Relax. I didn't do anything illegal, like hacking into classified military documents."
"Then how—?"
"Zipporah told me."
His brows furrowed. "Is she even supposed to know that?"
I shrugged, and he sighed.
"Aren't you going to ask why I applied?"
"Fine. Why did you?"
I grinned. "Because I was bored and needed some excitement in my life."
Sansula chuckled. "That's... an interesting answer."
"Let's get along, Sansula," I said, flashing him a smile.
"Sure, Hannah," he replied, smiling back.
We finally arrived at the principal's office. I knocked on the door.
"Come in."
Inside, a tall man with neatly combed hair sat behind an imposing wooden desk. Beside him stood Zipporah, her hands clasped neatly in front of her.
"I, Nathan Mazzi, welcome you both to Utrecht Metropolitan Self-Development School, Sansula Badila and Hannah Katz." His voice was calm but commanding. "And congratulations on your perfect scores."
"Thank you, Principal," we both said in unison.
"I imagine you're both wondering why I invited you here a month before school begins..."
He paused before continuing. "You see, you're not the only ones who scored perfectly on the entrance exam. However, you are the only two who demonstrated extraordinary qualities—both in character and ability. You represent what the students of this school should aspire to become."
My face grew warm. "Oh... thank you very much." I wasn't going to lie—I liked being praised.
The principal went on to explain the school's grading system.
"There are five standard classes—E being the lowest, A being the highest. But above all of them... is a special class: the S-Class, also known as 'The Classroom of Eden.'"
He folded his hands on the desk. "Only one male and one female student can hold an S-Class spot at a time. This means that, before the school year has even started, the two of you have already secured the highest possible ranking."
"That's incredible!" I beamed.
But then... his expression grew more serious.
"However, there is something I need from you in return."
His words carried weight.
"Before I continue, I must give you a warning. If you choose to proceed, there will be no turning back. You will not be able to refuse what I am about to reveal. If you wish, you may walk away now, and act as if this meeting never happened."
I exchanged a glance with Sansula.
He spoke first. "I have a duty to protect the Princess. I accepted this mission, and I do not break my word. Only cowards go back on their promises."
The principal nodded, then turned to me. "And you, Hannah?"
I leaned back slightly, crossing my arms. "This sounds interesting... so I'm in."
That's when the principal delivered something that neither of us had expected.
"The woman standing beside me... is the clone of my late daughter, Zipporah."
Silence.
Sansula and I exchanged stunned looks.
"You see," Mr. Mazzi continued, "I am a scientist. With my research team, I successfully created homunculi—artificial humans. The first batch consisted of eight females, each created using genetic material from seven infertile couples."
A screen behind him flickered on, displaying an image of seven girls.
Among them...
Was Princess Maeve.