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

We won again!" Ruby beamed

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

chimed in unexpectedly. She had a feeling that

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

Opportunities to earn celestial stones like this are once in a

In games like these, regret usually sets

stash of celestial stones. It would be enough for them to make a breakthrough from their

the bold. With all these celestial stones

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

added, "I promise that I'll call it quits once I've

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

were completely hooked after winning their bets. Trying to dissuade them

her. She wondered if this was their

betting would cut off their potential earnings. Hence, she

the

walked away with a haul of

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

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

help but smile at the growing crowd of gamblers. Even though the second crate

hoped these people would increase their wagers. She was confident that soon she would

round approached, the venue buzzed

gamblers at the betting table were practically buzzing with

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

they would follow without hesitation, even if it seemed like a