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.

from a mere acquaintance to their lucky charm. They

again!" Ruby beamed

guy is like finding

think we've made enough for now. It's time to stop betting," Crystal chimed in unexpectedly. She had

our lucky charm on our side, we just ride the wave

to earn celestial stones like this are once in a blue moon. We can't afford to

advised, "But let's not get too greedy. In games like

It would be enough for them

always playing it safe. They say fortune favors the bold. With all these celestial stones laid out

stop worrying so much. Today's our lucky day. We will hit the jackpot." Ruby looped arms with

that I'll call it quits once I've bagged 300 celestial stones. I swear I

in your way. Joy or regret, it's all on you." Crystal shook her head and dropped the

were completely hooked after winning their bets. Trying to

was their lucky streak and if they would keep raking in the

them from betting would cut off their potential earnings. Hence, she

the

walked away with a haul of

betting table.

simply irresistible. With many winners parading their success, these

at the growing crowd of gamblers. Even though

She was confident that soon she

the fifth round approached, the venue buzzed with renewed

at the betting table

were glued to the man in gray. His three consecutive wins had elevated him

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