An Understated Dominance by Marina Vittori

“That’s odd. Number 12 is clearly stronger than Number 34. So, why hasn’t he won yet?” Aurora wondered as she watched the intense match in the battle ring.

“Because he’s holding back,” Alicia replied.

She narrowed her eyes and continued, ” Look closely at Number 34. His fighting style is ruthless and aggressive, as if he has nothing to lose.

“Even though Number 12 is stronger, he’s struggling. As the saying goes, Fortune favors the brave.'”

Everything changed when a match in the battle ring escalated into a fight for survival. In standard bouts, martial artists often held back. Winning was great, but losing wasn’t the end of the world. With that mindset, most wouldn’t risk their lives.

However, the stakes were clear in a fight for survival-victory or death. Hence, martial artists would give their all to win the match.

Number 34, Atlas, fully embraced this mindset, while Number 12, Miles, hesitated and didn’t unleash his full strength.

“At this rate, aren’t we going to lose our bet on Number 12?” Aurora frowned.

While betting was a casual pastime, nobody enjoyed losing, and she was no exception.

“It all depends on him,” Alicia said thoughtfully.

all before he runs out of

alone won’t suffice. He

crowd below the battle ring cheered wildly as

grew more aggressive with each blow

contrast, Miles struggled to fend off Atlas’ relentless assaults. He

As Miles’ confidence waned, Atlas’

best the Sword

Surrender now

failed to secure a quick victory, Atlas resorted to verbal barbs to provoke Miles. Martial artist elders knew losing one’s cool could

exploit any opening and deliver a decisive blow

death? I’m giving you a chance to live. Losing to me should be an honor for

consumed by fury. “Do you have

he finally lost his temper. Contrary to Atlas’ expectations,

hesitation and restraint. His demeanor underwent a stark transformation as his attacks turned fiercely

him directly. If Atlas aimed for his head,

but now Miles was fighting as if he had nothing to lose. He was even prepared to risk his life to defeat Atlas. This relentless aggression caught Atlas off

it?” Atlas’ eyes widened in shock. He quickly switched from

intended to expose Miles’ weakness by provoking him, but his strategy backfired. He had