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.

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

won again!" Ruby

Trusting my instincts always pays off! Betting with that guy is like finding a pot of gold at the end of a

Crystal chimed in unexpectedly. She had a

we just

earn celestial stones like this are once in a blue moon. We can't afford to let

not get too greedy. In games like these, regret usually sets in when it's too

would be enough for them

bold. With all these celestial stones

lucky day. We will hit the jackpot." Ruby looped arms with

"I promise that I'll call it quits once I've bagged 300 celestial stones. I swear I won't

or regret,

completely hooked after winning their

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

stopping them from betting would cut off their potential earnings.

later, the fourth

winners of earlier bets walked away with

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

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

at the growing crowd of gamblers. Even though the

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

the venue buzzed with renewed

gamblers at the betting table were practically

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

follow without hesitation, even if it seemed like