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.

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

again!" Ruby

with that guy is like finding a pot of

enough for now. It's time to stop betting," Crystal chimed in unexpectedly. She had a feeling that pushing their luck further might

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

once in a blue

In games like these, regret

substantial stash of celestial stones. It would be

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

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

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

way. Joy or regret,

hooked after winning their bets.

was their lucky streak and if they would keep raking

betting would cut off their potential earnings. Hence, she stopped

minutes later, the

bets walked away with a haul of

a surge of interest that drew a crowd around the betting table. Spectators were eager to participate in the thrill and to try

was simply irresistible. With many winners parading their success, these newcomers were eager to get their

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

was confident that soon

round approached, the venue

betting table were practically buzzing with

man in gray. His

would follow without hesitation, even