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.

them, he had transcended from a mere acquaintance to their lucky charm.

We won again!" Ruby beamed

like finding a pot of gold at the end of

stop betting," Crystal chimed in unexpectedly. She had a feeling that pushing

started here. With our lucky charm on our side, we just ride the wave and

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

not get too greedy. In games like these, regret usually sets

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

you're always playing it safe. They say fortune favors the bold. With all these celestial stones laid out before us, turning a

will hit the jackpot." Ruby looped arms with

once I've bagged 300 celestial stones. I swear

or

their bets. Trying to dissuade them now felt like a

if this was their lucky streak

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

the fourth round

walked away with a haul of

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

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

at the growing crowd of gamblers. Even though the second crate of celestial stones had been emptied, she

confident that soon she would reclaim all the celestial stones

the

gamblers at the betting

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

without hesitation, even if it