The Queen Who Fights Back (by Lily Hastings) novel Chapter 79

Chapter 79

Sophia’s voice bubbled with excitement as she continued, “You know, the hot springs trip we took a few years ago was absolutely unforgettable. We stayed at this place called ‘Oceanic Spring’ in Harald. They had separate baths for men and women, which seemed pretty normal at the time.”

She leaned in closer, eyes sparkling with mischief. “But then, something hilarious happened—a girl accidentally wandered into the men’s bath! She just took a wrong turn and ended up right in the middle of all the guys… and they were all completely naked!”

A chorus of giggles escaped from the group, and Sophia grinned widely. “Honestly, we all secretly wished we were that girl. Can you imagine? It was like the ultimate luck.”

Her enthusiasm was almost contagious, and she practically danced in place as she shared the story, her cheeks flushed with delight. For a schoolgirl like Sophia, such a scandalous mishap was the kind of thrilling gossip that could light up an entire day. After all, the world these students inhabited was small and sheltered, their experiences limited to the safe boundaries of school life.

Nova, however, couldn’t share in Sophia’s excitement. The thrill of a girl accidentally walking into the men’s bathroom seemed trivial compared to the harsh realities she had witnessed. In her own life, she had seen powerless women caught in brutal conflicts, violated and overwhelmed on the battlefield. She had also come across fierce female mercenaries who toyed with handsome young men as if they were mere playthings, wielding power with ruthless ease.

The darkness of the world beyond the school gates was vast and unforgiving—something these students, cocooned in their protected environment, would never truly understand. Whether their innocence was a blessing or a curse was difficult to say.

Sophia’s eyes brightened again as she asked eagerly, “Nova, you’re coming on the hot springs trip this year, right? It’s going to be so much fun!”

Nova’s answer was blunt and clear. “No.”

To her, school-organized outings like this were no different from any other group event, and she had no desire to participate.

Sophia’s face fell instantly, her shoulders slumping as if someone had let the air out of her. “Why not? It’s supposed to be a blast.”

Before she could recover from her disappointment, a girl from their class appeared at the back door, waving and calling out, “Nova! Someone’s here to see you.”

Nova turned her gaze and spotted Jordan standing outside.

Jordan was a well-known figure on campus, though mostly in the shadows. Not long ago, he had hired Nova for a mission—to capture some international fugitives. He was the first client to come to her after her return, bringing her a much-needed paycheck. Naturally, she remembered him well.

Leaving the classroom behind, Nova and Jordan moved toward a tree nearby for some privacy.

“No cameras here,” Nova said immediately, her tone sharp. “Let’s talk openly.”

Jordan had witnessed Nova’s incredible skills during that fugitive capture—how she took down a sniper and broke through enemy lines with ease—but now, seeing her so alert and guarded, he still felt a jolt of surprise.

He swallowed nervously before asking, “Are you going to join the school’s hot springs trip this time?”

Nova narrowed her eyes, sensing the real meaning behind his question. “You want me to go?”

Without another word, Nova turned and headed back toward the classroom. Halfway there, she paused, glanced back at Jordan, and added, “Fine. I’ll join the hot springs trip.”

She had made up her mind. If it meant getting her hands on the weapons that had been her constant companions for over a decade, rearranging her plans was worth it.

Jordan’s grin widened. “Good.”

Just as Nova reached the classroom door, her phone buzzed in her hand. She pulled it out and saw Felix’s name flashing on the screen.

Felix, along with Evie, Freya, Dustin, and Isaac, formed a secret alliance on campus—an informal network of hidden experts who protected each other from potential threats after escaping their former organizations.

They had recently discovered that the assassination order targeting Crimson Web wasn’t issued by their organization but by an unknown individual—likely a personal enemy.

Nova’s mind raced. *With the hit still active, Felix calling now can only mean one thing: I have a new mission.*

She answered the call, and Felix’s urgent voice came through immediately. “Someone accepted the hit on us. I suspect they’ll strike while we’re heading to the hot springs trip.”

He continued, “I’ve been monitoring Crimson Web. The assassins who took the contract are top-tier—far too strong for us to handle together. Nova, we need your help. I want to hire you.”