The Mercenary Queen Strikes Back (Lily Hastings) novel Chapter 43

Chapter 43

The words “retired special forces soldier” hit everyone like a thunderbolt.

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To a group of students who only knew basic self–defense, a special forces soldier represented the absolute peak of hidden masters.

With guidance from such a figure, it was no wonder the Taekwondo Club members‘ skills had improved so dramatically.

“It’s over. We’re definitely going to lose.”

“If Max were still fighting Zane, we might have had a chance, but now…”

The Free Combat Club members muttered dejectedly, glancing subtly at Nova and thinking, ‘With Nova replacing Max against Zane, how could the club possibly win?‘

And honestly, they had already given up hope.

Maxwell slammed his fist down on the table. He hadn’t expected Zane to secretly arrange for a hidden master to train the Taekwondo Club members.

The veins bulged on the back of his hand as he said in a low voice, “Just do your best.”

As the club’s leader, that was all the comfort he could offer. Even though the outcome of this tournament would determine Blake Group’s survival.

“Max, we’ll give it our all!”

“We’ll fight hard for the club’s honor.”

Though they knew victory was unlikely, the members shouted with determination.

“What are the conditions for the club to win?” A female voice cut in, making everyone tense.

Nova looked toward the scoreboard at the judges‘ table in front of the stage.

On the scoreboard, the blue zone showed “1,” the red zone showed “9.”

No explanation was needed. Blue represented the Free Combat Club, red the Taekwondo Club, which was far ahead.

Just as everyone was about to scold Nova for asking such a question at a critical moment, she deduced the answer herself. “The two clubs each send 51 members to compete. 50 matches awards I point per win.

“The match I’m doing in place of Max is the leaders‘ duel. The winner will get 50 points. So that match is the key to victory, right?” She analyzed the situation with clear, quick logic.

Maxwell stepped closer and replied, “Yes. But don’t feel pressured. Just stay calm.”

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14:03 Sat, Jun 6

Chapter 43

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Under this scoring system, the outcome between the two clubs ultimately depended on the duel between their leaders.

Even though they believed Nova would lose, the members fought hard because they needed to show the Free Combat Club’s overall strength. This was crucial for club recruitment, as it would attract new members.

Students didn’t just care about the top duel. They also valued individual member skills. The club with more wins would be seen as stronger overall, which was vital for attracting new members.

Everybody believed that Nova was certain to lose to Zane. The Free Combat Club’s defeat was inevitable. If their individual performances also fell far short…

“Ugh, club recruitment will be hopeless this year,” Caleb muttered gloomily. “New students will flock to the Taekwondo Club.”

Caleb’s words seemed to subtly blame Nova. Julian shoved his shoulder. “Enough talk!”

Nova felt not an ounce of pressure. She remained leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed, a slight smile on her lips as she watched calmly.

Two hours later, the score between the Taekwondo Club and the Free Combat Club was fixed at 40-9.

The Free Combat Club had won only 9 of 49 matches, a miserable record.

It was worth noting that Maxwell, since he wasn’t facing Zane, easily secured one point.

Even so, this was the most devastating defeat in the Free Combat Club’s history.

On the competition stage, the duel between Hannah and Ethan was underway.

“Come on, Hannie!”

“You’re the best, Hannie. Give it your all!”

Julian, Caleb, and the others cheered loudly.

Hannah and Ethan were evenly matched. They exchanged blows for several rounds without a clear winner.

Hannah dodged sideways. Ethan’s fist followed closely. After fifty moves, Hannah landed a spinning kick that sent Ethan to the floor, winning the match.

The referee’s whistle blew, and the crowd erupted in cheers.

Returning to the waiting area, Hannah glanced at Nova, who stood with her arms crossed, and said sharply. “Your turn. Be careful. Drop the attitude. I saw the hidden master–the guy in the blue shirt over there.

“He has been signaling instructions to the Taekwondo Club members the whole time. I suspect he taught Zane some deadly moves. If it’s too much, just concede.”

Nova said nothing, gave her a cool look, and walked straight from the waiting area toward the stage. Hannah’s match was over. It was her turn now.

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14:03 Sat, Jun 6

Chapter 43

Across the way, Zane also ascended the steps to the platform.

The girls in the audience instantly erupted with exaggerated screams. “Zane! Zane!”

“Zane, our battle ace! Make history. Kick that insolent Nova off the stage!”

“Zane’s going to crush Nova!”

The moment Nova stepped onto the stage, her gaze swept across the opposite side.

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In front of the Taekwondo Club’s waiting area stood a young man in a blue shirt, his presence completely different from that of a student.

Without a doubt, this was the hidden master who had trained the Taekwondo Club members–the retired special forces soldier.

A cold, bloodthirsty smile curled Nova’s lips as she fixed him with an undisguised look of killing intent.

The man in blue was Jordan Cox, and he was indeed a special forces soldier. From the very beginning, he had been manipulating the matches like an invisible hand.

Suddenly, he sensed a blatantly contemptuous gaze. Looking up, he met Nova’s eyes–cold, murderous, provocative.

The coldness in her stare made Jordan shudder. It was as if a blade were pressed to his throat, suffocating him.

Such raw, undisguised killing intent felt familiar yet terrifying, dragging him back to the instant he faced death on the battlefield.

He had only felt this way once before–during a special mission when he confronted a world–class mercenary assassin.

Now, he was seeing it again in a girl’s eyes. Jordan’s composure shattered instantly.

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