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

won again!" Ruby

finding a pot

betting," Crystal chimed in

our lucky charm on our side, we

are once in a blue moon. We can't afford to

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

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

the bold. With all these celestial stones laid out

stop worrying so much. Today's our lucky day. We will hit the jackpot." Ruby looped arms with her

"I promise that I'll call it quits once I've bagged

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

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

a flicker of hope remained within her. She wondered if this was their lucky

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

the fourth round

winners of earlier bets walked away with a haul

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

was simply irresistible. With many winners

gamblers. Even though the second crate of celestial stones had

would increase their wagers. She was confident that

the fifth round approached, the venue buzzed with renewed

at the betting table were practically buzzing

were glued to the man in gray. His three consecutive wins had elevated him to near-legendary

they would follow without hesitation, even