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.

their lucky charm. They considered him a

again!" Ruby beamed with

that guy is like finding a

stop betting," Crystal chimed in unexpectedly. She had a feeling that pushing their luck further might end in

charm on our side, we just ride the wave and rake in

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

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

had already amassed a substantial stash of celestial stones. It would be

it safe. They say fortune favors the bold. With all these celestial stones

lucky day. We will hit the jackpot."

quits once I've bagged 300

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

Ruby and Miles were completely hooked after winning their bets. Trying to dissuade them now felt

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

from betting would cut off their

minutes later, the fourth round

earlier bets walked away with a haul

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

celestial stones was simply irresistible. With many winners parading their success, these

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

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

the fifth round approached, the venue buzzed with renewed

the betting table were

moment, all eyes were glued to the man in gray. His three consecutive wins had elevated him

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