An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori

"You... You used poison?" Number 24 clenched his teeth. His face burned with fury and disbelief.

He tried to push himself up, but he felt weak. Even wiggling his fingers felt like a Herculean task.

"In the battle ring, fair play reigns supreme," Number 95 said calmly. "Even resorting to tactics like poison or hidden weapons is deemed acceptable within the rules."

He added, "Moreover, I wasn't out for blood. I just want to incapacitate you momentarily. If my aim had been lethal, you'd be dead already."

"Why you—" Number 24 was left speechless. Although he was reluctant to admit defeat, he begrudgingly accepted it.

The rules didn't forbid the use of poison, and his opponent's frontal assault couldn't be deemed an ambush.

His failure to defend himself boiled down to his own lack of strength.

"This round winner is contestant number 95!" With Number 24 incapacitated, the referee swiftly announced the match's outcome.

Soon, the venue erupted in applause.

"Haha... We did it again! Another win in the bag!"

"One move, and it's game over. Contestant number 95 is awesome!"

"When it comes to being impressive, it's gotta be our lucky charm! He calls the shots, and bam, there's our winner. Truly amazing!"

Cheers and excitement filled the air at the betting table as everyone reveled in the moment.

Those who had placed their bets on contestant number 95 were celebrating. Initially, they doubted the man in gray. But now, they held him in absolute trust and admiration.

transcended from a mere acquaintance to their lucky charm.

We won again!" Ruby beamed with

is like finding a pot of gold at

time to stop betting," Crystal chimed in unexpectedly. She had a feeling that pushing their

getting started here. With our lucky charm on our side, we just ride the wave and rake

like this are once in a

In games like these, regret usually sets in when

and Ruby had already amassed a substantial stash of celestial stones. It would be enough for them to make a

all these celestial stones laid

so much. Today's our lucky day. We will hit the jackpot." Ruby

promise that I'll call it quits once I've bagged 300 celestial stones. I swear I won't

insist, I won't stand in your way. Joy or regret, it's all on you." Crystal shook

after winning their bets. Trying to dissuade them

wondered if this was their lucky streak and if they would

betting would cut

the fourth round

walked away with a haul of

drew a crowd around the betting table. Spectators were eager to participate in

stones was simply irresistible. With many

but smile at the growing crowd of gamblers. Even though the second crate of celestial stones had been

wagers. She was confident that soon she would reclaim all the celestial stones she

the fifth round approached, the venue buzzed with renewed

addition, the gamblers at the betting table were practically buzzing with

were glued to the man in gray. His three consecutive wins had elevated him to near-legendary status among the

of his choice, they would follow without hesitation, even if it seemed like a risky