Upon entering the city, the young noblewoman, noticing Shaw's perceptiveness, asks if he'd like to accompany them. She cites his solitary status and lack of Origin energy fluctuations as reasons, offering him a meditation manual as part of her employment package. The only requirement would be a six-month work contract as her consultant.
After some consideration, Shaw agrees to follow her, reserving judgment about whether he'll stay with her long-term.
Upon arriving at her residence, she presents Shaw with a contract. After verifying the terms match her earlier description and finding no hidden clauses, he decides to sign. However, he notices something peculiar - a loose strand of energy binds him to the contract, mentally imprinting its conditions:
Not to disclose any information harmful to the noblewoman or her affairs
To serve as her consultant for six months
With the severe penalty of soul erasure for any violations
With the contract sealed, the noblewoman provides Shaw with the manual and living quarters to begin his training.
In his new lodgings, Shaw opens the manual and begins reading:
"Origin energy permeates all existence and serves as the foundation of creation. Inventors pursue different paths - some create combat machines or labor-saving devices, others develop beast-controlling mechanisms, while others focus on body enhancement or spellcraft."
The text introduces a breathing technique for cultivating and manipulating Origin energy. As Shaw practices, he perceives the diverse manipulation methods available, but notices nothing relating to illusions, reality-warping, or dreams. Intrigued, he decides to experiment by attempting the technique while dreaming. First, he needs a lucidity trigger - he chooses to use his hands as his dream-sign.
After bathing, Shaw lies down and eventually falls asleep.
In the dream world, he finds himself on a chaotic battlefield, fighting instinctively to survive. As he retreats from the epicenter of conflict, an unseen attacker strikes from his blind spot, killing him.
After experiencing several variations of this scenario, the young man looks at his hands and realizes something is amiss. 'This feels like a dream... Yes, now I remember - I'm here to test a theory.' Shaw begins practicing the breathing technique within the dream. After some time, he attempts to manifest basic objects, finding familiar items like his makeshift spear easier to create than unfamiliar ones. After several failed attempts, he successfully materializes the spear before eventually waking.
The next morning, Shaw washes up and joins the noblewoman for breakfast as she outlines his duties:
"Shaw, you'll first receive orientation, then accompany me to a trade negotiation regarding item exchanges. Afterward, we'll hold a private meeting with my advisors to discuss whether to proceed with the deal. I need you to pay particular attention to the business proposals and the advisors' analyses."
The meeting proceeds smoothly. During the private discussion, the advisors recommend modifying certain terms and requesting a revised proposal.
On their return journey, the party is ambushed by assassins. While the guards intercept most attackers, one slips through undetected. Shaw notices a strange movement in the cobblestones near the noblewoman and intercepts the assassin. However, as a novice cultivator, the predictable outcome occurs - Shaw is impaled and killed.
This wasn't an impulsive act. With escape impossible and the assassins likely to slaughter everyone, Shaw acted to buy time. Unfamiliar with his developing powers, he ultimately perished.
(The assassins use Origin energy to manipulate light and molecules, rendering themselves nearly invisible and silent, though they remain physically present.)