The Mercenary Queen Strikes Back (Lily Hastings) novel Chapter 105

On paper, it was just an exchange student program. But in reality, Nova was about to represent Saint Laurel Royal Academy in a fierce showdown against top students from more than a dozen schools.

The competitions ranged from advanced math face–offs, to self–defense matches, to wild science experiments

There were all kinds of challenges.

Nova had made a name for herself in self–defense at school

So Saint Laurel Royal Academy wanted her to compete as part of their exchange team against the top self–defense specialists from more than a dozen other schools.

They hoped she’d bring glory to Saint Laurel.

This was the annual competition between schools.

A golden chance to win honor for the academy.

Almost no student would ever turn down a chance like this.

Nova met Zoey’s hopeful gaze and responded coolly, “Is there prize money in it?”

Zoey blinked in surprise. As a teacher, she’d never heard a student ask that–her mind actually blanked out for a second, Did she just ask about cash?‘

But Zoey quickly regained her composure.

“Students who bring honor to the school will get medals, special awards, and there are cash prizes too,” she explained.

‘So there’s actually prize money,’ Nova realized, a little satisfied.

Nova jumped in, “I’m in.”

Nova agreed so fast that Zoey just stared for a second, stunned at how quick she was to accept.

*****

Ever since Nova got back from Trinova, she’d been enjoying some well–earned downtime.

Honestly, she didn’t really stick to any routine.

She was a regular at Frostwave Bar, and now that the Verdant Reign wasn’t around to mess with them, the place was totally thriving.

Whenever she went, she always brought Ethan Summers along for the ride.

Ethan was one of Saint Laurel’s most popular guys—and the heir to the Summers family, one of the top three powerhouses in Ravenport. Raised in the world of big business since he was a kid, he’d picked up some real skills along the way

After hanging out with Nova, he started to mix seamlessly into the Frostwave Bar scene.

These days, he was always around, pitching ideas and schemes to help keep the bar booming.

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in November 5w–Maxwell showed up in his favorite ride- a lamborghini Reventón–to drop Nova off at Rena University in Fergis

Hey, if you ever want to speffthe weekend at home, just call me, alright? I’ll swing by and pick you up.” Maxwell told her.

“Alright,” Nova nodded.

With that, she stepped out of the car and walked straight for the university gate.

Rena University, located in Fergus–the capital of Morales–was easily one of the top–tier schools in the whole region.

The name “Rena” actually came from its first president, an international scholar from Yoria back in the ‘30s and 40s. He chose a name from his own language, which ended up being adapted for the university here.

Rena followed a global, cutting–edge curriculum, always striving for the best in modern education.

It was an entire league higher than Saint Laurel Royal Academy–even though that school was famous for its elite reputation.

That’s why exchange students from all the top schools around would come to Rena University to compete in every event.

Using her exchange student pass, Nova headed straight for the admissions hall.

Nova had just walked through the doors when a girl’s voice suddenly shouted from behind her, yanking her attention away.

“Hey! Coming through! Move it, move it! Yo, up front–make some room!”

Just as someone came barreling toward her, Nova slipped to the side with smooth reflexes.

“Whoa!”

The girl charged right into the spot Nova had just vacated, her arms loaded with a massive stack of books piled so high they towered over her head. Losing control, she toppled over and crashed to the ground.

With a crash, dozens of those heavy textbooks came raining down on her in a miniature avalanche.

Thud!

One book dropped straight from above, about to smack her wide eyes but with lightning–fast reflexes, Nova reached out and plucked it clean from the air, cool and steady.

It was only thanks to Nova’s quick reflexes that the textbook didn’t slam straight into the girl’s face. I

Realizing how close she’d come to getting hurt, the girl’s heart was pounding in her chest.

She jumped up, gave Nova a deep bow, and blurted out, “Thank you! Seriously, if you hadn’t stepped in. I might’ve lost an eye…”

Nova just shrugged, unfazed by the whole scene.

“Don’t mention it,” she said coolly.

It was no big deal–just Nova lending a hand like any other student would.

Once she returned the book, Nova was about to head out when the girl called after her.

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影

Don’t let her looks–fool you, though! I just found out she’s actually here to represent her school in the self–defense. competition–how cool is that?” she continued.

This was typical college crowd nothing like those Saint Laurel Royal Academy kids, who basically grew up sparring in the

gym.

Rena University and the rest were pretty standard universities.

Most of these students wouldn’t know the first thing about martial arts; self–defense was a rare skill around here.

So when they found out a girl like Nova could actually throw down, everyone’s jaw just about hit the floor.

Zack Fayne, the energetic guy, and a few other students in the lab all turned to stare at Nova.

“Whoa! That’s awesome!” Zack exclaimed, his eyes wide with excitement as he checked Nova out from head to toe.

“No way, seriously? You’re actually representing your school in self–defense? That’s next–level! You must be a total badass, right?

“That s insane, girl! Can you do those wild taekwondo kicks and bust through a board in one shot? How intense are your skills? I gotta know–satisfy my curiosity, c’mon, give us the scoop!”

The whole lab crowded around, practically holding their breath as they waited for Nova’s answer, curiosity written all over their faces.

Honestly, at most regular colleges, it’s pretty rare to find a girl who actually trains in self–defense.

Nova glanced up, her tone flat and cold. “To the point of killing someone.”

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