As my classmates eagerly left to explore the school, I remained seated, waiting to hear what Mr. Achtouk had to say. His sharp gaze settled on me before he spoke.
"Class 1-E is for students with significant deficiencies in academics, athletics, or personality traits. Class 1-D houses those who are slightly less flawed. Class 1-C is for average students, while your class, 1-B, consists of those who are slightly above average." He paused for a moment. "Do you have any idea why you were placed in Class 1-B instead of the excellent Class 1-A?"
I thought for a moment before answering. "It must be because I was living a double life. I wasn't true to myself—I deceived everyone around me."
"Precisely." His expression softened. "The fact that you recognize and acknowledge your faults proves that you no longer belong in this class."
"Huh?" I blinked in confusion.
"You've gained 10,000 IC for your positive personality development," he revealed. "You are now eligible for Class 1-A, Haniya. I can arrange your immediate transfer." His lips curved into a small smile. "I must say, I'm impressed. I didn't expect a student to ascend so quickly. My colleagues will be just as surprised as I am."
"Wait, Mr. Achtouk..."
"Yes?"
"I don't want to ascend to Class 1-A alone," I said firmly. "Either I stay in Class 1-B, or I bring my classmates with me."
His brows furrowed slightly. "Are you certain?"
"Yes, I'm sure." My voice carried unwavering determination. "They accepted me for who I am, and they chose me as their leader. I'll lead them to Class 1-A. We'll all graduate as the best."
For a moment, he simply studied me. Then, he smiled.
"In that case, show me what you're capable of, Haniya," he said. "I look forward to seeing your noble and commendable actions."
I smiled back. "Please, watch over me and guide me, sir."
With that, I left the classroom and stepped into the hallway, where Amira was waiting.
"Were you waiting for me?" I asked, surprised.
"Yes," she replied. "Is everything okay?"
"Yeah, don't worry," I reassured her. "I just told Mr. Achtouk that I plan to lead all of you to Class 1-A."
Her face lit up with a smile. "That's amazing!"
Together, we left the school complex and headed toward the shopping mall. As we walked, my attention was drawn to Maria, who was talking to a strikingly beautiful girl. She had a warm, wheat complexion, dark brown wavy hair tied into a low ponytail, and captivating golden eyes...
I had to admit—she was even more beautiful than me.
But something was wrong. Maria looked distressed. Her eyes were red. Had she been crying?
Before I could dwell on it, Amira spoke up. "Where should we go first?"
"We have to go to the school park," she reminded me. "Everyone's waiting for you there."
Right! I had promised to meet up with my classmates after introductions.
At the park, we took countless pictures and videos together, capturing the joy of the moment. Laughter filled the air, and for the first time in a while, I felt completely at ease.
Then, my phone vibrated.
I glanced down and saw multiple missed messages—from Maeve. My heart sank as I read them.
She was urging me to come to Mandane's dormitory for an emergency.
An emergency? My mind immediately raced to the worst possibilities. Did Maria kill someone again?
A chill ran down my spine.
"Haniya?" Amira's voice pulled me back to reality. "Are you okay?" Her perceptive gaze studied me closely. "Something about you just changed..."
She really was sharp.
"My childhood friends need me," I explained. "They said it's urgent, but I don't know what happened."
"I hope it's nothing serious..." she murmured, concern evident in her tone.
"I'll see you later, okay?"
"Alright," she said. "Take care of yourself."
"Thanks."
I hurried out of the park and made my way to Mandane's dormitory. When I knocked on the door, Minah answered and quickly let me in.
"You're finally here," Benesha huffed. "What took you so long?"
"I was spending time with my fans," I admitted.
"Are they more important than your sisters?" she shot back. "Who even are you, Haniya? Ashley or Luxuria?"
Her words stung, but I knew she didn't mean them cruelly.
"I'm sorry, Ira," I said sincerely. "I should've responded to Maeve sooner."
"Huh? Well... whatever," Benesha muttered, clearly flustered. "No need to be all apologetic. I get it—you're a celebrity. People obsess over you. Just... don't feel bad about being late."
I smiled. "Thanks."
Her face turned an even deeper shade of red. She acts like she doesn't care, but I know she loves this sisterhood more than any of us do.
"Haniya is popular," Minah added, amused. "This was bound to happen."
I turned to Maeve. "I'm here now. What's the emergency?"
She took a deep breath, her expression grave.
"Zipporah and her husband, Yeshaya... came back from the dead."
My blood ran cold.