The Queen Who Fights Back (by Lily Hastings) novel Chapter 99
Chapter 99
Bloodforge was far more than just a mercenary—she was a warrior through and through.
She constantly balanced on the razor’s edge between light and shadow, plunging into battlefields scattered across the globe to execute the most perilous missions known to the world.
She could be the lethal instrument of any nation, deployed into conflicts that shook entire continents.
Or she could become the ruthless blade wielded by villains, striking down the innocent without remorse.
Her loyalty was bought and sold; she answered only to those who met her steep price.
Yet in every corner of the military world, no unit dared to underestimate her formidable power.
Her very being symbolized raw strength and unyielding force.
That was why countless fighters aspired to adopt code names echoing Bloodforge’s, hoping to borrow some of the legend’s aura of might and wealth.
When the higher-ups decided to assign Nova a code name inspired by Bloodforge’s, it was with the hope that the legendary mercenary’s reputation would ignite a future filled with endless promise.
Upon hearing this, Nova remained silent, neither confirming nor rejecting the choice.
“Excellent!” the selection officer declared enthusiastically.
Clap, clap, clap!
Oliver, standing nearby, was the first to break into applause, his excitement evident. “That code name is fantastic! Nova, don’t change it! Seriously, I love it!”
Nova gave a subtle nod in response.
After all, a short, straightforward code name suited her perfectly.
*I’ve collected more code names than I can possibly keep track of,* she thought wryly.
Seeing no objection from Nova, the selection officer took it as acceptance and turned his attention toward Violet.
“Violet, you really nailed it out there. Truly impressive.”
“That’s why the higher-ups have chosen the code name ‘Mauve’ for you. It carries its own special meaning.”
He didn’t bother to elaborate on the significance behind the name.
Violet clenched her fists in silent frustration but maintained a composed exterior, accepting the name with a forced calm.
“Thanks. I really like it,” she said politely, masking the turmoil beneath.
*Why? Why me?* Violet seethed inwardly.
*Nova only defused that AK-18 because she just happened to know the guy who designed the timer. Pure luck.*
*But me? I relied solely on my own skills to get through everything—and this is the reward?*
*That codename—Bloodforge—so powerful and meaningful, it should have been mine!*
*I actually loved that name,* she muttered bitterly to herself.
Biting her lip, Violet refused to let her resentment show on her face.
By the time the selection officer had finished announcing everyone’s code names, the transport plane was already nearing Trinova.
Normally, there was no direct flight from Zoria to Trinova, but this time they were aboard a military transport plane, flying straight through—no layovers, no transfers.
As its name suggested, Trinova lay at the crossroads where three countries converged, a territory claimed by none.
For criminals, it was a paradise.
The region was infamous for housing the world’s largest poppy plantations—the biggest fields, the highest opium output anywhere on earth—churning out drugs like an industrial factory.
Drug lords scooped up harvests by the truckload, brazenly disregarding every moral boundary in pursuit of profit.
Flush with cash, they wasted no time assembling heavily armed squads—private armies ready for any conflict.
Nestled between Thalassia, Dravidia, and Veldoria, and with Dravidia caught in endless turmoil, Trinova was a mercenary’s dream playground.
Mercenary squads were everywhere, embedded within battle teams, cashing fat paychecks while risking their lives on the front lines.
The transport plane touched down smoothly on a clearing, and the team disembarked swiftly.
“Come on, ‘Andrew’ is such a solid code name! Why did I have to get stuck with ‘Edge’? Sounds way too cheesy!” Andrew grumbled as they exited together.
Nova, Andrew, and the others followed the selection officer toward their quarters.
They planned to rest at a hotel overnight and begin their mission bright and early the next day.
Andrew’s chatter echoed down the path as they walked.
Even Leanne, usually the quietest among them, couldn’t resist joining in.
“The code name Andrew is decent, but isn’t it just your real name?” she teased with a smirk.
That was why the selection officer stuck close, quietly guiding them through every step.
Yet one person refused to play along.
While the officer was still whispering, Nova strode ahead confidently, as if she owned the place, completely ignoring the need for stealth.
“Nova!” Violet hissed sharply, voice low but fierce.
She shot Nova a glare, simmering with frustration. *Does she even care that we’re supposed to be keeping a low profile?*
“Can you stop always playing the tough girl? If you want to get yourself killed, fine! But don’t drag the rest of us into your mess. We’re supposed to sneak past quietly while they’re asleep—what part of that don’t you understand?”
All eyes turned to Nova, filled with silent reproach.
Nova slid one hand into her pocket, raised an eyebrow, and half-turned toward the group.
“This place is crawling with squads at every corner. You really came out here for a job without checking the facts first?”
“Whenever mercenaries are stationed nearby, forget about sneaking past—taking this route means they already have their eyes on you.”
“If you want to keep things peaceful, talking it out or paying their toll is your best bet. Otherwise, be ready to fight.”
“Besides…”
“Late at night, when the world goes quiet? That’s exactly when mercenaries come alive—after a long day of combat, nighttime is when their second wind kicks in.”
“Trust me, most of them aren’t even close to asleep at this hour.”
Nova’s words hit like a siren, instantly putting everyone on edge.
Even the selection officer, who had studied every report on mercenary behavior, froze momentarily, clearly unsettled.
The truth was, most of their knowledge came from rumors or the hard-earned scraps of information shared by soldiers who had faced mercenaries in the field.
There were undercover operatives who had infiltrated mercenary camps, but even their intel was scarce and fragmented.
Most of what they knew was secondhand at best.
But how did Nova—a student—know so much about mercenaries?
It was almost as if she had spent years living among them herself.
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