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.

mere acquaintance to their lucky charm. They considered him a true

We won again!" Ruby beamed

always pays off! Betting with that guy is like finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow!" Miles grinned

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

we just ride

Opportunities to earn celestial stones like this are once in a blue moon.

let's not get too greedy. In games like these, regret

would be enough for them to make a breakthrough from their current

the bold. With all these celestial stones laid out before us, turning a blind eye would be a huge mistake," Miles

much. Today's our lucky day. We will hit the jackpot." Ruby

promise that I'll call it quits once I've

won't stand in your way. Joy or regret, it's all on you." Crystal shook her head

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

her. She wondered if this was their lucky streak and if they would keep raking

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

minutes later, the fourth

bets walked away

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

many winners

gamblers. Even though the

hoped these people would increase their wagers. She was confident that soon she would reclaim all the celestial stones

round approached, the venue buzzed with renewed

at the betting table were practically

in gray. His three consecutive wins had elevated him to

follow without hesitation,