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.

acquaintance to their lucky charm.

We won again!" Ruby

like finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow!" Miles grinned

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

Crystal. We're just getting started here. With our lucky charm on our side, we just ride

like this are once in a blue moon. We can't

not get too greedy. In games like these,

a substantial stash of celestial stones. It would be enough for them to make a breakthrough

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

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

I've bagged 300 celestial

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

after winning their bets. Trying to dissuade them now felt like a

flicker of hope remained within her. She wondered if this was their lucky streak and if they would keep

reasoned that stopping them from betting would cut

the fourth round

of earlier bets walked away with

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

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

gamblers. Even though the second crate of celestial stones had been emptied, she

she hoped these people would increase their wagers. She was confident that soon she

the venue buzzed

the gamblers at the betting table were practically buzzing

glued to the man in gray. His three

follow without hesitation, even