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.

their

We won again!" Ruby beamed with

pays off! Betting with that guy is like finding a

enough for now. It's time to stop betting," Crystal chimed in unexpectedly. She had a feeling that

Crystal. We're just getting started here. With our lucky charm on our side, we just ride the wave and

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

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

amassed a substantial stash of celestial stones. It would be enough for them to make a breakthrough

safe. They say fortune favors the bold. With all these celestial stones laid out before us, turning a blind eye would be a huge mistake,"

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

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

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

after winning their

within her. She wondered if this was their

betting would cut

later, the fourth

earlier bets walked away with

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

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

smile at the growing crowd of gamblers. Even though the second crate of celestial stones had

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

round approached, the

the betting table were

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

choice, they would follow without hesitation, even if it seemed like a risky