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.

acquaintance to their

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

our side, we just ride the wave and rake

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

let's not get too greedy. In games like these,

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

you're always playing it safe. They say fortune favors the bold. With all these celestial stones laid out before

our lucky day. We will hit the jackpot." Ruby looped arms

promise that I'll call it quits once I've bagged 300 celestial stones. I swear I won't

way. Joy or regret, it's all on you." Crystal shook her head and dropped

knew Ruby and Miles were completely hooked after winning their bets.

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

stopping them from betting would cut off their potential earnings. Hence, she stopped persuading

the fourth round

winners of earlier bets walked away with a

around the betting table. Spectators were

With many winners parading

crowd of gamblers. Even though the

would increase their wagers. She was confident that soon

round approached, the venue buzzed

the gamblers at the betting table were practically buzzing with

in gray. His three consecutive

without hesitation, even if it seemed like a risky