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 lucky charm. They considered him a

We won again!" Ruby beamed

finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow!" Miles grinned

Crystal chimed in unexpectedly. She

we just ride the wave and rake in the winnings!" Miles waved

in a blue moon. We can't afford to let this slip!"

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

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

safe. They say fortune favors the bold. With all these celestial stones laid out before us, turning a blind eye would be a huge mistake,"

lucky day. We will hit the jackpot." Ruby

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

way. Joy or regret, it's all on you." Crystal shook her

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

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

cut off

the fourth round

of earlier bets walked away with a haul of celestial

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

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

couldn't help but smile at the growing crowd of gamblers. Even though the second crate of celestial stones had been

confident that soon she would reclaim all the celestial stones she had

approached, the

addition, the gamblers at the betting table were practically

His three consecutive

they would follow without hesitation,