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.

their lucky charm. They

won again!" Ruby beamed

that guy is like finding a pot of gold at the end

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

started here. With our lucky charm on our side, we just ride the wave and rake in the winnings!" Miles waved off

in a blue moon. We can't afford to let this slip!"

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

would be enough for them to make a breakthrough

safe. They say fortune favors the bold. With all these celestial stones laid out before us, turning a blind

worrying so much. Today's our lucky day. We will hit the jackpot." Ruby

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

way. Joy or regret, it's all on you."

Miles were completely hooked after winning their bets. Trying to dissuade

wondered if this was their lucky streak

from betting would cut off

the fourth round

bets walked away with a haul

the betting table. Spectators were eager to

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

of gamblers. Even though the second crate of celestial stones had been

confident

fifth round approached, the venue buzzed

gamblers at the betting table were practically buzzing

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

would follow without hesitation, even