Chapter Two: Fear Has a Price

Only the punctuation was red. Rule Two ended in a red period—a full stop, not an invitation to respond. The safest action was to end the conversation. He switched off the security-room light and remained silent. Leon waited three seconds, then slowly withdrew. Before leaving, it chuckled in Zhou Jin's voice. “You always were good at finding loopholes.” Gray text appeared. [CONTRADICTORY RULE EXPOSED.] [DREAD POINTS EARNED: 17.] [TEMPORARY ABILITY AVAILABLE: FEAR SCENT—15 POINTS.] [You have finally admitted that fear has value.] Zhou Ran bought it. Pain stabbed through his nose. Darkness gained odors. His own fear smelled like rain on iron. Rich caramel drifted from the dining hall—the panic of six customers.