The Mercenary Queen Strikes Back (Lily Hastings) novel Chapter 42

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Any mercenary or assassin faced with Nova’s murderous intent would have sensed danger instantly and gone on full alert. But Zane ignored it, laughing scornfully.

It was the second time she had amused him, and it was precisely because she kept saying such outrageous things that he found himself deeply drawn to her.

The first few times Zane heard Nova speak in that tone, he had been shocked. Now he was used to it, and no longer surprised.

After laughing, Zane resumed his cold, aloof demeanor. He looked down at Nova and said, “Girl, you’re bold. So eager to marry me?”

For him, aside from a few hidden masters within the school, his only real rival was Maxwell.

Although Zane had announced he would propose marriage to Nova, the idea that she could defeat him was simply a joke in his view.

So when Nova insisted on replacing Maxwell to fight him, Zane interpreted it as her deliberately trying to lose–just to smooth the way for the marriage proposal.

Zane thought smugly, ‘What else could it be, if not desperation to marry me?

Some girls murmured, “So that’s it. I wondered why Nova insisted on fighting Zane herself.”

“Turns out she wants to throw the match to secure the marriage proposal.”

“How cheap! I almost thought she had backbone!”

The girls chattered as if they had uncovered a scandal, quickly branding Nova the villain.

This sudden accusation deepened the coldness in Nova’s eyes.

She was never one for lengthy explanations, and she disdained to argue with Zane and his followers. Just like on the battlefield, she only trusted her fists to win battles.

“The outcome will speak for itself after the match.” With those cold words, Nova didn’t spare Zane another glance. She turned and walked away.

Her resolute attitude gave Zane a start. He thought, a trace of doubt gnawing at him, ‘Does she really not care about me at all? Not even a hint of attachment?‘

But years of being pursued by girls quickly erased that doubt. He thought, a smirk tugging at his lips, ‘No girl could resist my advances. Nova is no exception. She’s just playing hard to get!‘

As Nova walked away, Sophia froze for a moment before hurrying after her.

Shortly after they left the field, Hannah, Maxwell, Claire, and the Free Combat Club members caught up from behind.

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Chapter 42

“Nova, stop right now!” Hannah shouted angrily.

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Hannah stared at Nova with a demanding gaze, her tone urgent, as if struggling to accept what had just happened. “What were you thinking back there? Didn’t I warn you about arrogant talk? If you fight Zane in Maxwell’s place, he’ll destroy you!”

Beneath her scolding lay a trace of concern that Hannah didn’t even realize she showed.

Nova listened quietly until she finished.

Julian stepped in to speak fairly, “Nova, we know you’re worried about Max. He did get injured in the recent youth free combat tournament, but at least he has combat experience and knows how to defend against Zane’s attacks.

“Zane is no joke. We admit you’re impressive–staying calm during the bar shootout, fighting off wolves alone in the wild…

“But we’ve heard Zane has been training with some hidden masters at school lately. His skills have improved a lot!

“Hannah’s right. If you go, you could really get hurt.”

Caleb put an arm around Julian’s shoulder and nodded. “This goofball isn’t always reliable, but everyone means well.”

The Free Combat Club members genuinely had Nova’s best interests at heart. They weren’t doubting her ability. It was just that Zane was strong, and Nova’s slender build seemed no match for him.

“I believe in Nova!” Sophia said. “She doesn’t act recklessly. From what I’ve seen since we’ve been together, if she says she can do it, there’s a reason. I’m not in the Free Combat Club, but please trust her just this once.”

“Don’t be ridiculous! This isn’t a game. One mistake could be disastrous,” Hannah exclaimed.

As the group argued, Nova remained silent. She was ready to convince them in her own way, and she had expected this reaction.

“Let Novie go.” Just then, Maxwell’s deep, magnetic voice cut through. “Let her take my place against Zane.”

The next second, silence fell. The Free Combat Club members stared at Maxwell in disbelief.

Julian was stunned, staring at Maxwell. “Are you serious? Max, you know Zane’s skills better than any of us.”

Hannah was shaken but ultimately respected Maxwell’s decision, pressing her lips together without another word.

Maxwell added, “Let Novie try. My injury already lowers my chances anyway.”

He turned to Nova and solemnly said, “Novie, don’t push yourself too hard. If you’re truly outmatched, just concede. Whatever happens, we will face it with you.”

Even if the Blake family were driven to bankruptcy, they were willing to start over with Nova. That was

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Chapter 42

Maxwell’s decision.

Nova understood and replied firmly, “I won’t let you down.”

*****

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The news that Nova would replace Maxwell against Zane, the strongest fighter, spread across the school like wildfire by midday.

It was followed by a wave of condemnation and criticism from all the students. No one believed she could

win.

The duel tournament at SLRA was an annual comprehensive assessment mandatory for every student.

Normally, students could freely choose their opponents, stepping onto the platform to compete.

Judges and referees would score them based on technique, skill, and outcome, with the results directly affecting their annual academic grades. That was the usual setup for regular students.

Among students, there was an unspoken rule–members of the Free Combat Club and the Taekwondo Club would face off in order from lowest to highest combat ability.

For example, Maxwell would fight Zane, Hannah would face Ethan, and so on–matching opponents of similar skill levels.

In previous years, the members of both clubs had been evenly matched, so the win–loss records were almost identical.

In this situation, the final duel between the leaders decided the overall outcome.

Nova taking Maxwell’s place directly affected the championship of the Free Combat Club, drawing intense school–wide attention.

On the first afternoon of the tournament, the entire school gathered to watch the highly anticipated face–off between the Free Combat Club and the Taekwondo Club.

By one o’clock, the main sports field was packed.

Nova followed the Free Combat Club members to the waiting area on the left side of the stage–a large temporary tent.

The Taekwondo Club’s waiting area was on the right.

From her position, Nova could see the action on stage.

Another Free Combat Club member was kicked off the high platform by his opponent, crying out in pain.

“Jack!” Hannah’s eyes widened as she and others rushed to help the fallen boy back to the waiting area.

“Ugh… It hurts…” Jack Allen curled up clutching his stomach, gasping for breath before finally gritting out as he was carried to the infirmary. “The Taekwondo Club members… are much stronger than last year. We…. We

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Chapter 42

can’t win.”

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After Jack was taken away, Hannah’s shoulders trembled, on the verge of breaking down. “How is this even possible? Why are things turning out like this?

“We’ve only had 10 matches, and we’ve lost 9! This can’t be real. Last year, it was so close. What’s different this time?”

Although Maxwell had withdrawn from the match against Zane, he still had to face Logan from the Taekwondo Club–the boy whose teeth Nova had shattered in the cafeteria.

Now, frowning deeply, Maxwell pondered why their opponents had improved so drastically.

The waiting area was filled with frustration and defeat.

Only Nova remained calm, even slightly excited, as she leaned against the doorframe with her arms crossed, quietly observing the matches.

Just then, Caleb rushed into the tent in a panic as he shouted, throwing the club into disarray, “It’s over! We’re finished!

“I just heard from a friend in the Taekwondo Club. They’ve been secretly training with a hidden master for months. That’s why they improved so fast. That master… is a retired special forces soldier!”

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