The Queen Who Fights Back (by Lily Hastings) novel Chapter 46

Chapter 46

Jordan had only recently arrived at Sector X18. At just twenty-two years old, he had enlisted at eighteen and carried with him a modest four years of combat experience. Despite his relatively short tenure, the harsh realities of this sector were already evident—his commander’s left thumb had been broken since the day Jordan first stepped into Sector X18.

A faint frown crept across Jordan’s face as he mulled over something that didn’t sit right with him. *Why does this girl talk as if she’s somehow involved, when nobody even knows who caused the injury?* he wondered silently.

Moreover, she had never served in the military herself. How could she possibly possess such detailed knowledge about Sector X18? It was almost as if she had met the top commander personally. But that seemed impossible—she was far too young for that.

His voice wavered as he struggled to get the words out. “You… you…” Jordan hesitated, then drew on his experience to steady himself. Taking a deep breath, he finally asked, “Do you know the commander of Sector X18?”

Nova didn’t deny it. “Yeah, we’ve met a few times,” she said casually.

Back during the Apo Conflict operation in Xylem, she had teamed up with the commander to infiltrate an enemy camp. To gain the enemy’s trust, she had broken his left thumb on the spot—a brutal move that left a lasting psychological scar on the commander. Thinking back to the expression on his face at that moment, Nova couldn’t help but smile faintly.

Jordan, however, found it hard to imagine such a connection at his rank. Judging by Nova’s demeanor, he was certain she was no ordinary person.

She was too young for the typical mercenary or assassin profile—unless she had begun that life in her early teens. The world’s top assassins were usually controlled by powerful organizations and rarely operated independently. Mercenaries, similarly, were trapped in their own systems, driven by survival, violence, and money. They were ruthless killers drawn to conflict zones, living by the currency of blood and cash.

Jordan thought to himself, *Maybe Nova met the commander through a mutual acquaintance—a friend or relative who knows him. That would explain their few meetings. Young girls often enjoy playing mysterious, acting like they’re in the know. It’s typical.*

He straightened his posture and spoke earnestly to Nova, “If I get the chance, I’ll make sure to pass your message along to the commander.”

Nova raised an eyebrow, surprised by the sincerity behind his stern expression. “What do you need?” she asked.

Jordan scratched the back of his head awkwardly. “There’s something I want to discuss with you.”

He glanced around cautiously, lowering his voice. “There are people everywhere—this isn’t the best place to talk. Could we find somewhere more private?”

They made their way to the second floor of the cafeteria.

At this time, the kitchen staff hadn’t started their shifts yet. Only the dessert shop, café, and snack store on the first floor were open, with the occasional student drifting in for a quick bite.

They settled into a quiet corner. Jordan began, “You defeated Zane. That makes you the strongest student at SLRA now.”

Nova responded with a lazy wave of her hand. “Go on.”

Jordan inhaled deeply before continuing. “You know SLRA is far more complicated than it seems, right?”

Hannah had mentioned this many times before, and Nova was well aware of the school’s hidden depths. She looked up at Jordan, silently urging him to continue.

He gathered himself and thought, *Even someone as capable as Nova probably hasn’t actually encountered assassins. She’s just curious—that’s normal for a girl her age.*

Concerned she might back out if she learned too much, he tried to reassure her. “But don’t worry, the assassins here are likely low-level.”

Jordan continued, “Actually, I came to SLRA on a mission. Training the Taekwondo Club was a way to recruit the strongest student, Zane Morgan, for help. But since you defeated him, you’re the toughest here now.”

He fixed his gaze on Nova and spoke with gravity, “I need your help.”

That was the true reason he had sought her out.

Nova raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “What’s your mission?”

Jordan admired her cautious approach. Unlike most students who would eagerly jump at the chance to assist with military tasks, she wanted details first.

He replied bluntly, “Among the hidden masters are several low-level assassins disguised as students at SLRA. On the surface, they seem normal, but in reality, they are international fugitives—wanted criminals who have escaped multiple prisons.

“My mission is to capture them without alerting them. I need your assistance.”