Chapter Three: Rules Do Not Protect the Greedy

What the Covenant collects is desire beyond a person's life value. If you deserve one million and take one hundred million, the difference must be settled with something. Talent, fame, victory—they work the same way.” “Who decides what I deserve?” Lu Chen asked. “The market did, at first. Later, the Candle Society.” “That isn't a rule. It's robbery.” “The most durable robbery in the world always writes itself into rules.” Chen studied him. “The good news is that once written, the rules bind their authors. The Covenant cannot take life from nothing; it must provide consideration. It cannot collect from someone truly unaware; it needs a signature.