The Queen Who Fights Back (by Lily Hastings) novel Chapter 105

Chapter 105

5 vouchers

On paper, it was just an exchange student program. But in reality, Nova was about to represent Saint Laurel Royal Academy in a fierce showdown against top students from more than a dozen schools.

The competitions ranged from advanced math face–offs, to self–defense matches, to wild science experiments.

There were all kinds of challenges.

Nova had made a name for herself in self–defense at school.

So Saint Laurel Royal Academy wanted her to compete as part of their exchange team against the top self- defense specialists from more than a dozen other schools.

They hoped she’d bring glory to Saint Laurel.

This was the annual competition between schools.

A golden chance to win honor for the academy.

Almost no student would ever turn down a chance like this.

Nova met Zoey’s hopeful gaze and responded coolly, “Is there prize money in it?”

Zoey blinked in surprise. As a teacher, she’d never heard a student ask that–her mind actually blanked out for a second, ‘Did she just ask about cash?‘

But Zoey quickly regained her composure.

“Students who bring honor to the school will get medals, special awards, and there are cash prizes too,” she explained.

‘So there’s actually prize money,’ Nova realized, a little satisfied.

Nova jumped in, “I’m in.”

Nova agreed so fast that Zoey just stared for a second, stunned at how quick she was to accept.

Ever since Nova got back from Trinova, she’d been enjoying some well–earned downtime.

Honestly, she didn’t really stick to any routine.

She was a regular at Frostwave Bar, and now that the Verdant Reign wasn’t around to mess with them, the place was totally thriving.

Whenever she went, she always brought Ethan Summers along for the ride.

13.13 Mon, Nov 17

Chapter 105

5 vouchers

Ethan was one of Saint Laurel’s most popular guys–and the heir to the Summers family, one of the top three powerhouses in Ravenport. Raised in the world of big business since he was a kid, he’d picked up some real skills along the way.

After hanging out with Nova, he started to mix seamlessly into the Frostwave Bar scene.

These days, he was always around, pitching ideas and schemes to help keep the bar booming.

On November 5th, Maxwell showed up in his favorite ride–a Lamborghini Reventón–to drop Nova off at Rena University in Fergus.

“Hey, if you ever want to spend the weekend at home, just call me, alright? I’ll swing by and pick you up.” Maxwell told her.

“Alright,” Nova nodded.

With that, she stepped out of the car and walked straight for the university gate.

Rena University, located in Fergus–the capital of Morales–was easily one of the top–tier schools in the whole region.

The name “Rena” actually came from its first president, an international scholar from Yoria back in the ‘30s and ‘40s. He chose a name from his own language, which ended up being adapted for the university here.

Rena followed a global, cutting–edge curriculum, always striving for the best in modern education.

It was an entire league higher than Saint Laurel Royal Academy–even though that school was famous for its elite reputation.

That’s why exchange students from all the top schools around would come to Rena University to compete in every event.

Using her exchange student pass, Nova headed straight for the admissions hall.

Nova had just walked through the doors when a girl’s voice suddenly shouted from behind her, yanking her attention away.

“Hey! Coming through! Move it, move it! Yo, up front–make some room!”

Just as someone came barreling toward her, Nova slipped to the side with smooth reflexes.

“Whoa!”

The girl charged right into the spot Nova had just vacated, her arms loaded with a massive stack of books piled so high they towered over her head. Losing control, she toppled over and crashed to the ground.

With a crash, dozens of those heavy textbooks came raining down on her in a miniature avalanche.

Thud!

One book dropped straight from above, about to smack her wide eyes–but with lightning–fast reflexes, Nova

1313 Mon, Nov 17

Chapter 105

U …

reached out and plucked it clean from the air, cool and steady.

5 vouchers

It was only thanks to Nova’s quick reflexes that the textbook didn’t slam straight into the girl’s face.

Realizing how close she’d come to getting hurt, the girl’s heart was pounding in her chest.

She jumped up, gave Nova a deep bow, and blurted out, “Thank you! Seriously, if you hadn’t stepped in, I might’ve lost an eye…”

Nova just shrugged, unfazed by the whole scene.

“Don’t mention it,” she said coolly.

It was no big deal–just Nova lending a hand like any other student would.

Once she returned the book, Nova was about to head out when the girl called after her.

“Um… I saw your pass. You’re an exchange student from another school, right?

“The exchange students all stay in the north dorm. It’s a bit out of the way–kind of hard to find if you’re new.

“I’m dropping these supplies off at the lab anyway–want me to show you where the dorm is after?”

As she spoke, her smile revealed an irresistibly cute snaggletooth, making her seem even more lively.

“I’m Casey Jameson. I’m a local here at Rena University, and I’m actually one of the competitors too.

“My specialty’s lab experiments and research–I’m just about to deliver these to the science lab. Wanna tag along?” she continued.

Casey’s grin, paired with that adorable snaggletooth, was seriously endearing.

Just like at the start of any regular college semester, each exchange student made their own way to Rena

University.

So Nova had no idea who the other four exchange students Saint Laurel Royal Academy had sent.

With nothing else on her plate, Nova felt up for it.

“Sure,” she replied.

They picked up the scattered textbooks together and headed off toward the lab building.

As they walked, Casey piped up, wanting to know Nova’s name.

“Nova Blake? That’s such a cute name! By the way, which competition are you here for? Advanced math face- offs? Computer science?” Casey asked, eyes bright with curiosity.

“Self–defense,” Nova replied coolly.

“Whoa, seriously? Wouldn’t have pegged you for it!” Casey circled Nova, eyes sparkling as she checked her out

13:13 Mon, Nov 17 M

Chapter 105

from head to toe..

5 vouchers

“You look so slim and gentle–I totally thought you were here for some crazy mathletes competition!”

As they joked around, the two headed together for Rena University’s lab building.

They made their way into Classroom A–11.

“Casey, finally! You got the materials?” As soon as Casey walked in, a cheerful guy jogged straight over.

“Yep, we brought everything,” Casey said, hefting half the stack of books in both hands.

Nova had the other half tucked easily under her arm.

The pile was tall enough to reach Nova’s chin, but she handled it one–handed, barely breaking a sweat.

“Who’s this pretty girl?” the energetic guy asked, taking the books from Casey.

“That’s Nova Blake–she’s one of the exchange students. We just ran into each other outside, and I’m showing her to the dorms,” Casey explained.

As she spoke, Casey flashed her signature snaggletooth grin.

“Don’t let her looks fool you, though! I just found out she’s actually here to represent her school in the self- defense competition–how cool is that?” she continued.

This was typical college crowd–nothing like those Saint Laurel Royal Academy kids, who basically grew up sparring in the gym.

Rena University and the rest were pretty standard universities.

Most of these students wouldn’t know the first thing about martial arts; self–defense was a rare skill around here.

So when they found out a girl like Nova could actually throw down, everyone’s jaw just about hit the floor.

Zack Fayne, the energetic guy, and a few other students in the lab all turned to stare at Nova.

“Whoa! That’s awesome!” Zack exclaimed, his eyes wide with excitement as he checked Nova out from head

to toe.

“No way, seriously? You’re actually representing your school in self–defense? That’s next–level! You must be a total badass, right?

“That’s insane, girl! Can you do those wild taekwondo kicks and bust through a board in one shot? How intense are your skills? I gotta know–satisfy my curiosity, c’mon, give us the scoop!”

The whole lab crowded around, practically holding their breath as they waited for Nova’s answer, curiosity written all over their faces.

Honestly, at most regular colleges, it’s pretty rare to find a girl who actually trains in self–defense.

13:13 Mon, Nov 17 M

Chapter 105

Nova glanced up, her tone flat and cold. “To the point of killing someone.”