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.

from a mere acquaintance to their

We won again!" Ruby beamed

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

betting," Crystal chimed in unexpectedly. She had a feeling that

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

are once in a

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

and Ruby had already amassed a substantial stash of celestial stones. It would be enough for them to make a breakthrough from their

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

day. We will hit the jackpot." Ruby looped arms with her sister

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

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

winning their bets. Trying to dissuade

was their lucky streak and if they would

cut off their potential

later, the fourth round

earlier bets walked away with a haul of celestial

around the betting table.

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

smile at the growing crowd of gamblers. Even though the second crate of celestial stones had been emptied, she

confident that

approached, the venue

betting table were practically buzzing with

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

choice, they would follow without hesitation, even if it