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.

acquaintance to their

We won again!" Ruby beamed with

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

enough for now. It's time to stop betting," Crystal chimed in unexpectedly. She had a feeling that pushing their luck further might end in

lucky charm on our side, we just

a blue moon. We can't

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

It would be enough for them to make a

say fortune favors the bold. With all these celestial stones laid out before us, turning

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

it quits once I've

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

Ruby and Miles were completely hooked after winning their bets. Trying to dissuade them now felt like a lost

if this was their lucky streak and if they would keep

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

the

bets walked away with a haul

interest that drew a crowd around the betting table. Spectators were eager to

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

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

their wagers. She was confident that soon she would reclaim all the celestial stones she

the venue buzzed with renewed

betting table were practically buzzing

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

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