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

again!" Ruby beamed

always pays off! Betting with that guy is like finding a pot of gold at the end of

in

our side, we just ride the wave

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

get too greedy. In games like these, regret usually sets in

It would be enough for them to make a breakthrough from their current

bold. With all these celestial stones laid out before us,

our lucky day. We will hit

once I've bagged 300 celestial stones. I

you insist, I won't stand in your way. Joy or regret, it's all

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

this was their lucky streak and if they would keep

them from betting would cut off their

later, the

earlier bets walked away with a haul of

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

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

the growing crowd of gamblers. Even though the second

people would increase their wagers. She was confident that

the fifth round approached, the venue

betting

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

hesitation, even if it seemed like