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.

them, he had transcended from a mere acquaintance to their lucky charm. They considered

won again!" Ruby beamed

Trusting my instincts always pays off! Betting with that guy is like finding a

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

on our side, we just ride the wave and rake in the winnings!" Miles

a blue moon. We can't afford

greedy. In games like these, regret usually sets in when it's too

amassed a substantial stash of celestial stones. It would be enough for them to make a breakthrough from their current levels if they

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

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

quits once I've bagged 300 celestial stones. I swear I won't be

your way. Joy or regret, it's all

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

remained within her. She wondered if this was their lucky streak and if they would keep raking in the

reasoned that stopping them from betting would cut off their potential earnings. Hence,

minutes later, the fourth

away with a haul of celestial

drew a crowd around the betting table. Spectators

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

the growing crowd of gamblers. Even though the second crate of celestial

would increase their wagers. She was confident that soon she would reclaim all the celestial stones

fifth round approached, the venue buzzed

at the betting

moment, all eyes were glued to the man in gray. His three consecutive

follow without hesitation, even if it seemed like a