The Mercenary Queen Strikes Back (Lily Hastings) novel Chapter 40

Chapter 40

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“War correspondent, cleaner, sanitation worker…” Nova stated calmly. “I’ve done too many jobs to remember them all.”

She wasn’t lying. Before establishing herself in the mercenary world, she had done every dirty and exhausting job imaginable, including hauling corpses off the battlefield.

The reason she didn’t tell Maxwell and Hannah her true identities, the legendary Bloodforge, was simple.

First, she was afraid of frightening her family. She dared not imagine how they would see her if they learned she had been a killer. With fear, avoidance, or…

Second, it wasn’t that Nova was cold–hearted. It was just that, having survived years in the underworld, she didn’t trust others easily, not even her newly reunited family.

She hadn’t known Maxwell and Hannah long. If they couldn’t accept her and instead report her identity to the police.

Nova had no desire to return to Devil’s Isle. She couldn’t afford that risk.

Maxwell and Hannah had no such concerns. They were just ordinary people, slightly more outstanding than the average college student, not yet truly exposed to the harsh realities of society.

A drop of sweat trickled down Maxwell’s temple. He wiped it away, his heart aching again. “War correspondent… No wonder you’re covered in scars.”

He thought, ‘No wonder she has those marks. No wonder her strength is unpredictable, and her field bandaging is so skilled.

‘She was just an ordinary girl who once faced the terror of death in war. The skills she shows must be rough tricks learned on the battlefield.

Maxwell vowed silently, ‘From now on, I will protect Nova.’

Hannah’s heart raced when she heard Nova’s words. She had been afraid Nova would say something like “I was a prostitute“. After all, Hannah had slandered Nova, claiming she was kept by an old man and might have diseases.

Hannah sighed inwardly with relief, ‘Thank goodness she didn’t…‘

Nova noticed Hannah’s relief and looked at her with an even sharper, more teasing gaze, her gaze like a blade dissecting Hannah’s thoughts.

Startled, Hannah hurriedly spat out an angry remark, “What a pity! I thought you’d have it worse. Humph!” With that, she stomped away.

“You know, Hannah’s proud. You were very close as children. Back then, she was extremely protective of you, always giving you the best treats first,” Maxwell said as he approached Nova.

Nova knew he was reminiscing. But she had left home before turning five, and her memories from before

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Chapter 40

that age had long faded.

Maxwell added gently, “Don’t blame Hannah. She means well.”

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Lost in thought, Nova felt his hand gently stroke her hair, his touch warm and comforting. “I never blamed her,” she said.

It wasn’t about holding a grudge. Hannah’s various antics seemed like childish pranks in Nova’s eyes, not worth dwelling on.

“You and Hannah are very different. You’re more mature,” Maxwell smiled. Then, he asked perceptively, “Were you taken abroad when you were a kid?”

Slums, war correspondents… These didn’t exist within Zoria. Zoria had no poverty–stricken areas or wars. The only possibility was that Nova had been taken to another country to grow up.

“Yes,” Nova replied without hesitation this time. “That year, after getting separated from you, I was kidnapped and smuggled overseas. Later, I managed to escape.”

It was true. Her childhood had indeed been spent in the slums of a foreign country.

Maxwell gently ruffled her hair again, a softness never seen before in his cool eyes. “Don’t worry. It won’t happen again.”

*****

After that swimming class, Hannah’s attitude toward Nova softened noticeably. Though she still acted dismissive in public, the open hostility faded.

Days passed, and SLRA’s signature duel tournament finally arrived amid everyone’s anticipation.

It was a good day, with a clear sky dotted with cotton–like clouds.

The campus was decorated festively–balloons, banners, and entrance arches all bearing duel–related slogans.

Like a regular sports meet, the duel tournament lasted three days. Students not competing were free to move around, even eat early or buy snacks.

The duel ring stood at the center of the main sports field, surrounded by spectators.

“It’s starting! I heard the Free Combat Club and Taekwondo Club face off today. Their matchup is always the highlight.” Sophia chirped, linking arms with Nova as they entered the field, where was already packed with

students.

Sophia and Nova stood at the back of the dense crowd. Though they couldn’t see the stage directly, large screens broadcast the action. That way, every student could watch the matches clearly.

“Take this!” On screen, a burly boy attacked fiercely, forcing a leaner opponent to retreat until he nearly fell off the platform.

The rules were simple–knockout or ring–out meant defeat.

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To Sophia, the fight was thrilling. She shook Nova’s arm excitedly, waving towards the big screen. “Nova, who do you think will win? Wow, close call! The skinny one almost lost. Looks like he’s struggling.”

Sophia knew basic self–defense, but it was all surface–level stuff. So all those slick moves were fierce in her

eyes.

Honestly, most of the students were just here for the buzz. To their untrained eyes, those strikes didn’t look like much.

Nova replied firmly. “The lean one will win this round.” Her calm eyes saw through everything.

“Huh? Why?” Sophia blinked.

Before Nova could explain, a female voice came from behind. “Don’t speak too soon. Seems you forgot my warning. Hardship isn’t a license for arrogance. Reckless boasts will cost you.”

They didn’t need to turn to know it was Hannah, standing with Claire, hanging tightly onto her hand, Maxwell, and the members of Free Combat Club.

Nova turned and saw Maxwell give her a slight nod–a silent brotherly greeting.

“Hannie’s right! Leave room for doubt, or you’ll end up embarrassed! I think the big guy will win.” Claire, who loathed Nova, immediately contradicted her.

Claire could never stand Nova. She was far more desperate to see Nova gone than Hannah ever was.

No sooner had Claire spoken, a dull thud sounded.

The crowd cheered, looking excited. “Nice! Well done!”

Both sounds erupted one after another.

Cheers erupted as the screen showed the lean boy. In a desperate move, he unleashed the pent–up power he had been saving in an instant, grabbing his opponent’s waist and slamming him down to victory.

Claire’s face turned grim as if she had swallowed a fly. Free Combat Club members glanced her way, almost mocking.

“No way, Nova! You called it. Like you could see the future!” Sophia nudged Nova affectionately, shooting a glare at Claire.

The glare hit hard. Claire’s face darkened even more.

“Nova!” Ethan’s voice rang out.

Nova glanced over and saw Ethan yelling from the crowd center, with everyone nearby staring at him. Standing beside him were Zane and Jessica. Clearly, that was the Taekwondo Club’s group.

Nova noticed the Free Combat Club members around her tense up as they shot wary looks at the Taekwondo. Club’s crew.

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“Nova, even as opponents, I won’t let you down!” Ethan’s eyes, full of puppy–dog innocence, shone with pure determination.

To his surprise, Nova replied, “Give it your all.”

Instantly, Ethan’s fighting spirit ignited.

Just then, Zane stepped about 15 feet away, scanning the wary faces of Maxwell and the Free Combat Club members, then shouted at Nova, “Hey, you!”

The address irked Nova. She suppressed the urge to break his neck right then and there.

The next second, Zane issued a challenge, more like a one–sided decree, to Nova and Maxwell both.

Zane raised his chin. “Girl, I respect you now. If your brother’s Free Combat Club loses to Taekwondo Club this time, I’ll go to Blake Villa in the name of my family and propose a marriage alliance with you.”

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