The Queen Who Fights Back (by Lily Hastings) novel Chapter 44

Chapter 44

Jordan found himself utterly baffled by the intense aura radiating from a teenage girl. It was difficult for him to accept. He thought to himself, *Sure, Saint Laurel Royal Academy harbors its share of hidden talents like me, but a young girl? Could she really be a mercenary or assassin of any real skill?* The idea seemed almost laughable.

Nevertheless, his face hardened immediately, the gravity of the situation sinking in.

“What arrogance! She actually dares to challenge Zane,” he muttered under his breath.

Nearby, voices from the Taekwondo Club buzzed with disdain.

“Some girls just crave male attention. Nova is definitely one of those types,” sneered one.

“Who cares what she is? Nova’s done for. Even without Jordan’s training, Zane’s skills far outclass hers. And now, he’s even stronger,” another added confidently.

Jordan could hear the taunts clearly. Some of the Taekwondo members even shouted directly at Nova from the stage, “Nova, with your weak skills, how dare you challenge Zane? Just give up and disappear!”

His eyelids twitched involuntarily, a flicker of unease crossing his mind. Somehow, what should have been a guaranteed victory was now shrouded in doubt—all because of Nova.

On the stage, just before the referee called the match to start, Zane leaned toward Nova, his voice cold and sharp amidst the cheers from teachers and students alike. “Nova, it’s not too late to back down.”

His gaze was piercing, his tone icy and detached. “I never hold back in a duel, not even against a girl. Think carefully before stepping into the ring with me.”

His message was clear: once the fight began, mercy would be off the table, despite the fact he had just proposed marriage to her.

“Wow! Zane is so cool!” a girl nearby squealed.

“I love that ruthless attitude of his in the ring. It’s incredible,” another chimed in.

The arena was alive with the excited screams of the girls.

From the Free Combat Club’s waiting area, Julian and others called out support, “Nova, if it’s too much, just concede. We’ve got your back. No one will blame you!”

But Nova, standing tall before the entire school, responded coolly, locking eyes with Zane. “I’ll return those words to you. If you want to concede, now’s your chance.”

Her boldness stunned the crowd.

“Go, Nova!”

“You’ve got this!”

Below the stage, Ethan and Sophia waved glow sticks enthusiastically, almost like they were at a concert, shouting their support.

Though they hadn’t known each other before, Ethan had become more familiar with Sophia since he began training under Nova as her disciple. Sophia, having gotten to know Ethan, had toned down her fangirling considerably. She teased him with a sly smile, “Isn’t Zane your bro? Aren’t you worried he’ll mind you cheering for Nova?”

Ethan rubbed his nose sheepishly and replied, “He’s not as important as Nova.”

He thought quietly to himself, a little guilty, *Sorry, Zane. But honestly, I don’t think you’re good enough for Nova.*

Inside the Free Combat Club’s waiting area, Hannah paced anxiously like a caged animal. “Nova’s crazy. How could she dare challenge Zane like that?”

She scratched at her head as if to tear her hair out, no longer concerned about winning but terrified that Nova might end up carried off on a stretcher after Zane destroyed her.

“Whatever. Let her deal with it. Why should I care so much?” Hannah muttered bitterly.

Claire linked her arm through Hannah’s, smiling sweetly. “Exactly, Hannie. No need to worry about Nova. She brought this on herself.”

Her eyes flicked toward Nova on stage, wishing the referee would start the match immediately. She couldn’t wait to see Nova defeated, preferably badly enough to leave a lasting mark.

Zane’s three-punch combo was merely a feint.

The real finishing move was his signature Taekwondo kick, crafted to bring her down with a single strike.

This strategy had been whispered to him by Jordan, the hidden master lurking just below the stage.

Because Jordan had warned him to be cautious of Nova, Zane had decided to unleash his ultimate technique right from the start.

“Zane’s going for the kill!”

“Nova’s done for!”

The crowd’s cries filled the air as Zane executed a swift side kick, rotating his hips with precision, aiming his most polished Taekwondo technique directly at Nova’s abdomen. He sneered inwardly, *It’s over.*

He poured every ounce of strength into the kick, but the moment his leg shot forward, Nova—who had been standing directly in front of him—vanished.

Zane’s face contorted in shock. A chilling wave of loss of control washed over him.

Frantically searching for her, he heard her voice behind him, dripping with mockery, “Is that your big killer move? Pathetic. Your form’s even wrong. Let me show you what a real Taekwondo side kick looks like.”

In an instant, Nova appeared like a ghost, flashing behind Zane.

She lifted her leg and delivered a side kick far more precise and powerful than anything Zane had ever shown, striking directly at his lower back.

The kick was flawless.

Zane spun through the air like a wounded bird, crashing heavily off the stage.