The Mercenary Queen Strikes Back (Lily Hastings) novel Chapter 47

Chapter 47

Chapter 47

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Jordan could never have imagined that the girl before him was also an escaped fugitive–one who had broken out of the legendary inescapable prison, Devil’s Isle.

His earnest expression made Nova’s lips curl into a smile.

She thought, ‘Interesting. He’s asking me–a fellow escaped fugitive–to help him catch another group of escaped fugitives?”

Most people probably wouldn’t agree. But Nova was no ordinary person. She asked, “If I help you, what’s in it for me?”

Jordan might never guess that Nova was also an escapee, but one thing he judged correctly. Mercenaries lived by payment. They ditched morals and laws, obeying only their employers.

Nova was no different. Her meaning was clear–cooperation required sufficient benefit.

“Huh? Benefits?” Jordan was stunned. He had never considered that Nova would demand payment.

After all, when he had asked the Taekwondo Club for help, whether from Zane or other skilled students, they had all assisted freely.

“You didn’t think I’d help for free, did you?” Nova tilted her head and shot him a faint smile.

It looked as sweet as any ordinary schoolgirl’s, but Jordan sensed an icy edge beneath it. “N–No. You can set your terms after it’s done,” he stammered. “Anything within my power, I’ll agree to.”

Nova’s smile faded. Some might call her cold–blooded, and she didn’t deny it. After all, she wasn’t a good person, just a survivor operating in the shadows, making a living by her skills.

She had seen “good” mercenaries pushed into minefields as scouts, blown to pieces. She had also seen villains seize wealth and power, living in luxury.

Every mission she took danced on the edge of life and death. In her world, risking her life and demanding payment, it was only just.

So when Jordan asked for help, Nova demanded payment. It was her survival code, unchanging.

“Deal,” Nova said calmly. “Now, the details.”

**

Meanwhile, at the Free Combat Club’s base–the sixth floor of the laboratory building, Maxwell, Hannah, Julian, Caleb, and Laura were busy filling out registration forms for the influx of new applicants, completely swamped.

Claire had already made an excuse to leave. Only the core members remained.

“We finally processed one batch. No idea how many are left,” Caleb stretched and said lazily.

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Chapter 47

“Keep going!” Julian laughed. “That just proves our recruitment drive is a huge success.”

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Sensing a strange silence, Maxwell looked up to see Zane’s tall figure standing at the entrance. It was Zane.

Everyone at SLRA knew Zane, the Taekwondo Club leader, had long been at odds with Maxwell, especially since he had just been kicked off the stage by Nova, losing the high–profile duel. Why was he here now?

“Max, why is he…” Hannah looked stunned.

“Keep working, I’ll handle this,” Maxwell frowned, set down what he was holding, and walked out.

Zane looked somewhat worse for wear, a medicinal patch covered the chin he’d bruised when Nova kicked him off the stage, and one arm was bandaged.

He met Maxwell’s gaze directly. “Can we talk?”

Maxwell hesitated for a moment, then nodded.

They entered an empty training room. Zane said, bluntly, “The hidden master who’s been training the Taekwondo Club members is Jordan Cox.

“He came to me for assistance. I agreed to cooperate, and in return, he trained our members. Right now, he’s probably seeking out Nova.”

Hearing that Nova was involved, Maxwell finally perked up. His expression shifted, “What’s going on?”

Zane relayed the information Jordan had shared and added, “There are international fugitives hiding in the school. It’s a serious threat. Ordinary students could be in danger.

“According to Jordan, they are highly skilled and have already allied with several hidden masters to resist

capture.

“It’s difficult to arrest them without alerting the school or the targets themselves, so Jordan needs our help.

“Chances are, Nova has already agreed to get involved. To keep her safe, let’s call a truce. We team up against those fugitives and settle our scores later.”

Maxwell thought for a while, then nodded. “Fine.”

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On the cafeteria’s second–floor corner, after accepting Jordan’s request and grasping the situation, Nova asked, “When do we move?”

Jordan replied, “Not yet. I’ll contact you when the time comes.”

Nova nodded. “Fine.”

The conversation ended. They two walked out of the secluded spot one after the other. Jordan walked ahead, with Nova following.

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Chapter 47

Nova was straightforward. She never hid her words or intentions.

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As they reached the cafeteria entrance, she suddenly asked with playful interest, “You didn’t even ask about my background before partnering up. Aren’t you afraid I’ll let you down?”

Pleased to have her help, Jordan raised an eyebrow. “Oh? For example?”

He expected her to mention trivial things like betrayal or leaking secrets, but her next words nearly made him stumble.

Nova said with a faint smile, “For example? What if I’m just like them, an international fugitive who escaped from prison?”

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