The girls introduced themselves one by one.
Freya de Vries (17, Dutch)
Likes: Playing the flute, reading fantasy novels, exploring different historical periods, spending time with friends.
Dislikes: Bossy people, not having enough time to read, loud noises in the library.
Aisha Osman (18, Somali descent)
Likes: Writing poetry, reading classic literature, advocating for social justice, spending time with family.
Dislikes: Ignorance, intolerance, littering.
Ebru Aktaş (18, Turkish descent)
Likes: Playing volleyball, painting, reading historical fiction, traveling.
Dislikes: Math class, boredom, unfair treatment.
Sakura Nakamura (17, Japanese descent)
Likes: Practicing judo, playing the piano, learning about different art forms, watching anime.
Dislikes: Being rushed, struggling to understand something, not having enough time to practice.
Manon Laurent (18, French descent)
Likes: Acting, volunteering at the local theater, learning languages (currently studying German), reading French novels.
Dislikes: Disorganization, negativity, being unprepared.
Amalia Hernandez (17, Mexican descent)
Likes: Singing in the school choir, designing fashion sketches, learning about different cultures, organizing school events.
Dislikes: People who give up too easily, being treated differently because of her background, running out of fabric for her sewing projects.
Sophie Dondersteen (17, Dutch)
Likes: Playing the flute, reading science fiction and fantasy, volunteering at an animal shelter, hiking.
Dislikes: Long, monotonous lectures, not having enough time to read, cold weather.
Demelza Pietersen (18, South African descent)
Likes: Playing rugby, working with children, studying marine biology, spending time at the beach.
Dislikes: Injustice, animal cruelty, ocean pollution.
And of course, Eliza and I, Kayla, introduced ourselves as well.
After the introductions, Eliza raised an eyebrow. "Why is there an even ratio of boys to girls?"
The teacher, Ms. Zomerland, nodded. "Because we might pair you up in duos."
"But two guys or two girls could also pair up," Hidde pointed out.
"Yes, but society functions—and even exists—because men and women work together. We want to reflect that here, to prepare you to become exemplary men and women by the time you graduate."
Freya tilted her head. "Does this school follow a specific religion?"
"We follow Abrahamic traditions," Ms. Zomerland replied.
Koen's eyes lit up. "So... will we be reading from the Bible?"
The teacher smiled. "Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy... Where do you think this school fits best?"
Koen thought for a moment. "Genesis," he said.
"Why?"
"Well, because this school is brand-new. It's the beginning."
Ms. Zomerland chuckled. "Ah, but I'd say we've already passed the beginning."
Koen frowned. "What?"
"Everything that led up to your acceptance here—your past experiences, the entrance exams—was already part of Genesis. Those factors determined your individual ranking, which placed you here, in Class 1-C. That means you are average—not strong enough to be in 1-B or 1-A, but not weak enough to be in 1-D or 1-E."
"We're average in what way?" Freya asked.
"In everything, or in some aspects—academics, personality traits, athletic abilities. It varies."
"So... is this school designed to help us improve?"
"That depends entirely on you." Ms. Zomerland's expression grew serious. "Only those who reach Class S—the Classroom of Eden—will be considered truly successful. Graduates from Class S can become anything they desire and accomplish whatever they want."
Eliza blinked. "Wait... Class S? Not Class A?"
"Class A has its own prestige," the teacher explained. "It's one step away from Class S."
"How does someone get into Class S?" Eliza pressed.
"Only one male and one female can enter. It's reserved for students who achieve something phenomenal."
"Are there students in Class S already?"
"Yes. Two."
"How did they get in?"
Ms. Zomerland smirked. "One example: If the class president of 1-E single-handedly raises her entire class to Class A, she'll earn a spot in Class S. Because that? That's nearly impossible."
Freya leaned forward. "And what about us? How can we get in?"
The teacher shrugged. "I don't know. Impress the school. It could be anything."
Eliza narrowed her eyes. "Who are the two students in Class S?"
Ms. Zomerland's smile didn't falter.
"They could be anyone... in any of the five classes."