Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

"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.

had transcended from a mere acquaintance to their lucky charm. They

We won again!" Ruby beamed with

off! Betting with that guy is like finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow!" Miles grinned with

we've made enough for now. It's time to stop betting," Crystal chimed in unexpectedly. She had a feeling that pushing their luck further might

lucky charm on our side, we just ride the wave and

a blue moon. We can't afford to let

frowned and advised, "But let's not get too greedy. In games

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

playing it safe. They say fortune favors the bold. With all these celestial

day. We will hit the

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

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

winning their bets. Trying to dissuade them now felt like a

her. She wondered if this was their lucky streak and if they

reasoned that stopping them from betting would cut off

minutes later, the fourth

away with

drew a crowd around the betting table. Spectators were eager

With many winners parading their success, these newcomers were eager to get their

though the second crate of celestial stones had been

would increase their wagers. She was confident that soon she would reclaim all the celestial stones

round approached, the venue buzzed

addition, the gamblers at the betting table were practically buzzing with

eyes were glued to the man in gray. His three consecutive wins had elevated him to near-legendary status among

they would follow without hesitation, even if it