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.

transcended from a mere acquaintance to their

We won again!" Ruby beamed

finding

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

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

earn celestial stones like this are once in a blue moon. We can't afford

not get too greedy. In games like these, regret usually sets in when it's

stones. It would be enough for them to make a

all these celestial stones laid out before us, turning a blind eye would be a huge mistake," Miles

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

call it quits once I've bagged 300 celestial stones. I swear I

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

their bets. Trying to dissuade them

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

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

minutes later, the fourth round

of earlier bets walked away with a haul

surge of interest that drew a crowd around the betting table.

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

though the second crate

She was confident that soon she would

the fifth round approached, the venue buzzed with

the betting table were practically buzzing with

all eyes were glued to the man in gray. His three consecutive wins had elevated him

his choice, they would follow without hesitation,