Chapter 95

Hannah grabbed Nicholas by the arm and pulled him before the other five participants. "Let's hear what started this conflict," she said. "They're just the institution's lackeys; they had it out for me. At first, they cornered me and tried to provoke a fight. "When I stood my ground, they resorted to underhanded tactics during training. They were unable to get to me, so they started targeting my two classmates instead!" Suddenly, Nicholas recalled Hannah's earlier insults aimed at the instructors. "Cowardly behavior!" he added. "That's not true! We targeted you because you mocked us for being country bumpkins!" At that age, they were brimming with individuality and pride and detested being labeled as anyone's lackey. Even the mere suggestion that their instructors saw them as obedient could humiliate them. "When did I ever say that? I've never mocked anyone for their background!" Nicholas protested. "Mr. Zell said so! And Mr. Lewis heard it too!" "Seth and the others are real