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 lucky charm. They considered him a

We won again!" Ruby

Trusting my instincts always pays off! Betting with that guy is like finding a

to stop betting," 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

this are once in a blue moon. We

not get too greedy. In games like these, regret usually

celestial stones. 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 would

will hit the jackpot." Ruby looped arms with her

that I'll call it quits once I've bagged 300 celestial stones. I swear

way. Joy or regret, it's

their bets. Trying to dissuade them now felt like

within her. She wondered if this was their

would cut off their potential earnings. Hence, she stopped persuading

the

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

simply irresistible. With many

Even though the second crate of celestial stones had been emptied, she

confident

the fifth round approached, the venue buzzed with

betting

His three consecutive wins had

follow without hesitation, even if it seemed like a