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 energy,

raw strength alone won’t suffice. He needs the courage to risk everything,” Aurora

below the battle ring cheered wildly

with each blow as he showcased his immense

to fend off Atlas’ relentless assaults. He was clearly

and losing confidence can significantly weaken their performance. As Miles’ confidence

this the best the Sword

save you. Surrender now if you want to live. Keep this up, and you’re

barbs to provoke Miles. Martial artist elders knew losing one’s cool could lead to fatal mistakes. It could

exploit any opening and

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

was consumed by fury. “Do you have a

temper. Contrary to Atlas’ expectations, Miles

His demeanor underwent a stark transformation as his attacks turned

Atlas aimed for his head, Miles targeted his neck. If Atlas attacked his chest, Miles

armor to absorb blows, but now Miles was fighting as if he had nothing to lose. He was even

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

had intended to expose Miles’ weakness by provoking him, but his strategy backfired. He had triggered Miles’ reckless onslaught that forced him into full