The Mercenary Queen Strikes Back (Lily Hastings) novel Chapter 22

13:55 Sat, Jun 6

Chapter 22

Chapter 22

As Ronan prepared to launch his eighth tactic at Nova, she completely lost patience.

She had no intention of continuing to play along.

Casually slipping one hand into her pocket, she sidestepped Ronan’s powerful strike.

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At the same time, she moved behind him and lifted her leg, delivering a precise kick to the nerve behind his knee–no flashy moves necessary.

Ronan felt his leg go weak instantly.

By the time he realized what had happened, both of his legs had buckled like springs, collapsing beneath him.

Amid the gasps of the students, Nova’s cold, cutting voice struck like an invisible slap across his face

She said, “In short, your skills are lacking, your moves are flashy but empty. With your current ability, you’re not qualified to teach me.”

Ronan had taught over a thousand students, yet he had never encountered anyone like Nova.

He had actually been taught a lesson by a student–and she had done it with sheer skill, leaving him no room

to argue.

A bitter smile tugged at Ronan’s lips.

After a long pause, he exhaled deeply and admitted, “I lost.”

The classroom erupted. It was a shock like nothing they had ever experienced before.

Every student who had previously anticipated Nova’s defeat had completely forgotten their earlier thoughts.

Cheers rang out, each louder than the last, as if no one wanted the moment to end.

“She’s incredible. Nova’s the first person in our academy’s history to completely outmaneuver Mr. Vale.”

“I remember a few years ago, the three school heartthrobs beat Ronan.”

“Hey, do you think with a martial genius like Nova in our class, she could eventually reach the same level as those three?”

“Possible, totally possible.”

Sophia stood frozen in astonishment.

It took her a long moment to process what had just happened.

Then, she finally reacted, rushing forward and grabbing Nova’s hand. Her eyes practically curved into crescent moons from smiling.

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Chapter 22

She said, “Nova, my god, you nearly scared me to death. You’re amazing; no wonder you’re fearless. I really underestimated you.”

Nova let Sophia take her hand without resistance, remaining silent and focused ahead.

“Huh? Nova, what are you looking at?” Sophia followed her gaze and saw a tall, handsome figure approaching.

“Ah? It’s Max.” The girls in the class stirred again at the sight of Maxwell.

His expression remained unchanged as he walked directly up to Nova under the watchful eyes of the entire class of girls.

Maxwell was every bit the gentle heartthrob everyone at Saint Laurel Royal Academy said he was.

He gave Sophia a soft, reassuring smile, and even when asking her to step aside, his voice stayed gentle and kind. “Could I have a word with Nova, alone?”

“Ah? Oh, okay.” Sophia nodded blankly and released Nova’s hand.

In the school hallway, under a plane tree, Nova raised an eyebrow at Maxwell. “What is it?”

Although Nova wasn’t very close to him, their time together had given her some understanding that Maxwell wouldn’t come to her without a reason.

For him to show up during class meant he definitely had something important to say.

Sure enough, Maxwell spoke, “I’m here to invite you to join the Free Combat Club.”

Nova lifted her lips in a calm smile, clearly unsurprised.

“And the reason?” she asked.

Maxwell sighed, “After all, you’re my sister. I should be responsible for protecting you. Besides, joining the Free Combat Club would provide you with a better training environment.”

Nova clicked her tongue. “Not a bad reason.”

She paused, then added, “But if you do this, she won’t cause trouble?”

Maxwell was quick to understand that Nova was referring to Hannah.

“I’ll talk to Hannie,” Maxwell said.

“I have no objections,” Nova replied lightly.

The matter was settled just like that.

Nova agreed to join the Free Combat Club, probably out of interest.

Or maybe it was because at Zane’s birthday party, Maxwell had made her feel, for the first time in her life, the experience of being protected by an older brother.

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Who could say for sure?

**

A

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The afternoon was reserved for club activities, with no classes scheduled.

At Maxwell’s invitation, Nova followed him to the Free Combat Club.

Saint Laurel Royal Academy encouraged students to actively participate in clubs during the afternoon, so the school had established many.

They ranged from the Guitar Club, Drama Club, Photography Club, to the Anime Club–covering a wide variety of interests.

Among them, the largest and most popular were the Taekwondo Club and the Free Combat Club.

Because of its large membership, the Free Combat Club’s training hall was enormous.

Located on the sixth floor of the school’s science building, the entire floor belonged to the Free Combat Club.

Maxwell led Nova into the training hall, immediately drawing attention.

“Hey, Nova, good to see you again,” a voice called out.

A few members who were discussing matters paused and turned to approach her.

At the front was a refined–looking young man, Julian Hunt—the same person Nova had encountered at Frostwave Bar.

At the bar, Julian had assumed Nova would be afraid even at the sight of blood.

But now, seeing Maxwell bring her to the Free Combat Club, he wasn’t the least bit surprised.

‘Looks like Maxwell gave them a heads–up, Nova thought.

“Nova, we met before. I’m Caleb Jensen. Nice to meet you,” another voice chimed in.

This was the buzz–cut guy Nova had also seen at the bar. He ran a hand through his hair and gave Nova a flirtatious wink.

Seeing her again, they all recalled the bar incident–the gunfight.

They knew her shooting skills weren’t great.

They guessed that Nova was young, fearless, and reckless, and probably had no formal experience with guns -she had just fired wildly that day.

But they also recognized her courage, and that earned her some respect.

Seeing how quickly Nova interacted with the Free Combat Club members, Hannah, who had been standing nearby, snorted sharply.

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However, Hannah didn’t target Nova intentionally. Maxwell had likely spoken to her beforehand, so she didn’t make trouble this time.

Nova didn’t care.

She had always maintained a cold, indifferent attitude toward everyone.

After the brief pleasantries, it was time to get down to business.

“Max, what are we going to do about the duel competition in a month?” Julian asked, concern evident as he looked at Maxwell.

Mentioning the duel competition shifted the mood. Even Maxwell and Hannah’s expressions changed slightly.

The Saint Laurel Royal Academy duel competition was an annual event, meant to test the students‘ comprehensive strength over the year.

For members of the Taekwondo Club and Free Combat Club, it was the stage for a public showdown between the two largest clubs.

The losing side would not only lose prestige but also fewer opportunities to recruit new members, making it a critical event for club recruitment.

Furthermore, at Zane’s birthday party, when Maxwell had protected Nova, Zane had publicly provoked him.

This incident had made the entire school eager to see the outcome of the upcoming duel.

“I’ve rested enough. I’ll compete in a month,” Maxwell said firmly.

“But your injury?” Julian and the others, including Hannah, looked worried.

Within the Free Combat Club, only Maxwell had a real chance of beating Zane.

But he had been injured in a recent youth free combat tournament in Ravenerport and couldn’t fully recover in such a short time.

If he faced Zane in his current state, he would be at a serious disadvantage even before the fight began.

This was what worried the club members.

“The duel starts in a month?” As everyone fell silent, a female voice spoke.

All eyes turned to Nova, who had not said a word until now.

Julian and the others were puzzled by her question, but one of them answered, “Yes, but Max is injured, and Hannie’s opponent will be another school heartthrob, Ethan. So we’re concerned about Max facing Zane. It could be bad for him-”

Nova interrupted coldly, her voice cutting through the discussion, “I can fight in Max’s place. Zane is no

match.”

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