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 considered

We won again!" Ruby beamed with

like finding a pot of gold at the end of

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

started here. With our lucky charm on our side, we just

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

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

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

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

much. Today's our lucky day. We will hit the jackpot." Ruby looped arms

"I promise that I'll call it quits once I've bagged 300

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

hooked after winning their bets. Trying to

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

from betting would cut off their potential

the fourth

earlier bets walked away with a haul

that drew a crowd around the betting table. Spectators were eager

stones was simply irresistible. With many

but smile at the growing crowd of gamblers. Even though the second crate of celestial

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

fifth round approached, the venue buzzed with renewed

the betting table were practically

His three consecutive wins had elevated him

without hesitation, even if it seemed like a risky