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!"

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

chimed in unexpectedly. She had a feeling that pushing their luck further might end in

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

to earn celestial stones like this are once in a blue moon. We

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

Ruby had already amassed a substantial stash of celestial stones. It would be

bold. With all these celestial

We will hit the jackpot." Ruby looped arms

I've bagged

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

knew Ruby and Miles were completely hooked after winning their bets. Trying to dissuade them

was their lucky streak

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

later, the

earlier bets walked away with a

table. Spectators were eager to

irresistible. With many winners parading their success, these newcomers

couldn't help but smile at the growing crowd of gamblers. Even though the second

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

fifth round approached, the

the gamblers at the betting table were practically buzzing

to the man in gray. His three consecutive wins had

his choice, they would follow without hesitation, even if it