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

We won again!" Ruby

with that guy is like finding a pot of gold at the end

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

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

in a blue moon.

get too greedy. In games like

had already amassed a substantial stash of celestial stones. It would be enough for them to make a

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

will hit the jackpot." Ruby

quits once I've bagged 300 celestial stones. I swear I

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

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

hope remained within her. She wondered if this was their lucky streak and if they would

would cut off their

the fourth round

away with a haul of

ignited a surge of interest that drew a crowd around the betting table. Spectators

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

of gamblers. Even though the second crate

increase their wagers. She was confident that

approached, the

addition, the gamblers at the betting table were practically buzzing

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

follow without hesitation, even if it seemed