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.

a mere acquaintance to their lucky charm. They considered him

We won again!"

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

now. It's time to stop betting," Crystal chimed in unexpectedly. She had a feeling that pushing their

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

Opportunities to earn celestial stones like this are once in a blue moon. We can't afford to let this slip!" Ruby

let's not get too greedy. In

stones. It would be enough for them to make

these celestial stones laid out before us, turning a blind eye would be a huge mistake," Miles

so much. Today's our lucky day. We will hit

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

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

and Miles were completely hooked after winning their bets. Trying to

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

from betting would cut off their potential

the fourth round

away with a haul of celestial

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

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

Even though

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

approached, the venue buzzed with renewed

the gamblers at the betting table were practically buzzing with

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

they would follow without hesitation, even if