Nel sipped at her scalding tea, ready to reassure Even that if he wanted a guide, or a map, she'd gladly oblige, but she stopped and pulled her cup away from her lips, and looked at Even as if he'd just sprouted a second head when he mentioned that name.

"Professor Hojo?" She repeated. "Are you sure?" 'Professor' wasn't that popular a title among scientists who made a name for themselves. There was one Professor Hojo who had made a name for himself, but there was no way it could be him.

Hojo couldn't be that common a name, though, let alone Professors among them.