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.

he had transcended from a mere acquaintance to their lucky charm. They considered him a true

We won again!"

like finding a pot

chimed in unexpectedly. She had

our side, we

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

"But let's not get too greedy. In games like these, regret usually sets in

stones. It would be enough

all these celestial stones laid out before us, turning a blind eye would be a

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

added, "I promise that I'll call it quits once I've bagged 300 celestial stones.

your way. Joy or regret, it's all

winning their

her. She wondered if this was their lucky streak

cut off their potential earnings. Hence,

later, the fourth

of earlier bets walked away with a haul of

ignited a surge of interest that drew a crowd around the betting table. Spectators were

the allure of celestial stones was simply irresistible. With many

smile at the growing crowd of gamblers. Even though the second crate

confident that soon she would reclaim all

fifth round approached, the

addition, the gamblers at the betting table were practically

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

choice, they would follow without hesitation, even if it seemed