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.

transcended from a mere acquaintance to their lucky charm. They considered him a true bringer

again!" Ruby beamed with

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

betting," Crystal chimed in unexpectedly. She had

charm on our side, we just ride the

Opportunities to earn celestial stones like this are once in a blue moon. We can't afford to let this slip!"

greedy. In games like these, regret usually sets in when

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 stones laid out before us, turning a blind eye would be a huge

worrying so much. Today's our lucky day. We will hit

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

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

were completely hooked after winning their bets. Trying to dissuade them now felt like

was their lucky

betting would cut off their potential earnings. Hence, she

later, the fourth

bets walked away with a

betting table. Spectators were eager to participate in the thrill and to try their

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

gamblers. Even though the second crate of celestial stones

hoped these people would increase their wagers. She was confident

fifth round approached, the venue buzzed with renewed

at the betting table were

were glued to the man in gray. His three consecutive

they would follow without hesitation, even if it seemed