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.

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

We won again!" Ruby

pays off! Betting with that guy is like finding

enough for now. It's time to stop betting," Crystal chimed in unexpectedly. She had a feeling

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

once in a blue moon. We can't afford to let this slip!" Ruby

greedy. In games like these, regret usually sets

be enough for them to make

favors the bold. With all these celestial stones laid out before us, turning a blind eye would be a huge

hit the jackpot." Ruby looped

once I've bagged 300 celestial stones. I swear I won't be

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

hooked after winning their bets. Trying to dissuade them now felt

a flicker of hope remained within her. She wondered if this was their lucky

would cut

minutes later, the fourth

bets walked away with a

around the betting table. Spectators were eager to participate in the thrill and to try their

all, the allure of celestial stones was simply irresistible. With many winners parading their success, these newcomers were eager to

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

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

round approached, the venue buzzed with

gamblers at the betting table were

the man in gray. His

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