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 lucky charm. They considered

won again!" Ruby beamed

finding

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

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

are once in a blue moon. We

greedy. In games like these,

It would be enough for them to make a breakthrough from their current levels if they absorbed

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

will hit the jackpot." Ruby looped arms with her sister and smiled

I've bagged 300 celestial stones. I swear I

fine. If you insist, I won't stand in your way. Joy or

their bets.

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

cut off their potential earnings. Hence, she stopped persuading

the fourth

bets walked away with a haul

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

all, the allure of celestial stones was simply irresistible. With many winners parading

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

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

approached, the venue

betting table were practically buzzing

gray. His three consecutive wins had elevated him to near-legendary

without hesitation, even