An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori

"Miles, do you think we should trust the man in gray and bet on Number 33?" Ruby whispered.

She had intended to follow Miles's lead in placing her bet. But to her surprise, he went with the man in gray's recommendation and chose to bet on contestant number 33.

After all, she didn't trust strangers. Despite Miles' assurance, she only bet half of her celestial stones just to be on the safe side.

He assured her, "I've looked into Number 33. He's really strong and with a high chance of winning. You can bet on him without any worries."

He wasn't the type to blindly follow others. But after listening to the man in gray hype up Number 33, Miles took a closer look.

Despite Number 33's unassuming appearance, anyone skilled enough to wield a shadowsteel whip was far from ordinary.

A whip, being such an unconventional weapon, was tough to master. Just getting the hang of it wasn't easy, and becoming a true expert required dedication far beyond the norm.

Those who had truly mastered it could unleash devastating power that would surpass ordinary weapons.

The whip's flexibility enabled various attacks. Hence, it made predicting and defending against them nearly impossible.

shadowsteel whip in the battle ring,

in gray seemed to have some insider information that boosted his confidence. So, Miles

he only bet half of his celestial stones. He knew he wouldn't

on this round?"

33," Dustin

at Crystal. "What

"Same," Crystal replied succinctly.

you went for Number 33? Is he really that good?" Ruby

had been talking with Miles earlier. So, she hadn't noticed that

him, I guess I can't be too off the mark. And if I lose, well, at least I won't be alone in that." Dalen

That's your reasoning for betting on Number 33?" Ruby was a bit skeptical, then turned to her sister. "Crystal,

just got a gut feeling that he's going to win," Crystal said

was momentarily at a loss for

on Number 33?"