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.

transcended from a mere acquaintance to their lucky charm. They considered him a true bringer of

won again!" Ruby beamed

with that guy is like finding a pot of

time to stop betting," Crystal chimed in unexpectedly. She had a feeling

our side, we just ride

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

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

had already amassed a substantial stash of celestial stones. It would be enough for them to make a breakthrough from their current levels if they

celestial stones laid out before us, turning a blind eye would be

will hit the jackpot." Ruby

once I've

or regret, it's all on you." Crystal shook her head and dropped the

their bets. Trying to dissuade them now felt

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

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

later, the fourth

of earlier bets walked away with

drew a crowd around the betting table. Spectators were eager to participate in

stones was simply irresistible. With many winners parading their success, these newcomers were eager

but smile at the growing crowd of gamblers. Even though the second crate of celestial stones had been emptied, she

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

approached, the venue buzzed with renewed

gamblers at the betting

His three

follow without hesitation, even if