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.

a mere acquaintance to their lucky charm. They considered him a

We won again!" Ruby

off! Betting with that guy is like finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow!" Miles grinned with

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

started here. With our lucky charm on our side, we just ride the wave and rake in the winnings!" Miles waved off her

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

In games like these, regret

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

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

We will hit the jackpot." Ruby

added, "I promise that I'll call it quits once I've bagged 300 celestial stones. I swear I won't be

insist, I won't stand in your 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

if this was their lucky streak

cut off their potential earnings.

later, the

winners of earlier bets walked away with a

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

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

Even though the second crate of celestial stones had

confident that soon she would

the venue buzzed with renewed

betting table were practically

the man in gray. His three

hesitation, even if it