The Author's POV

The deeper the memories that I altered, the greater the mana consumption. In the same way, the more I changed, the more mana I consumed.

If it wasn't hard enough already, I could only alter the memories of those who were incapacitated or had their minds unguarded like Kevin not too long ago.

Still.

This was the perfect skill for me at the moment.

'If possible, I might be able to alter some of my memories from the time that I was back in the Monolith.'

In choosing this skill, my main goal was to solve all the mental issues I had been experiencing ever since I returned from the Monolith.

They had never stopped and had only gotten worse.

It was about time I finally did something to solve this issue, and this skill was probably the key.

That said, I did see a problem in this method.

'What if in the process of changing my memories, my personality also ends up changing?'

This was a very real problem since my experiences at the Monolith were the things that made me who I was today. Thankfull, I had a way to restore my memories, and therefore, could experiment a couple of times.

"That aside, I should probably call Melissa."

In memory of my earlier conversation with Douglas, I skimmed through my contacts until they paused on a particular profile.

[Melissa Hall]

"She might be able to help me make an arrangement with Octavious."

My chances of getting in touch with him by myself were rather slim considering our situation.

Thus, I had no other choice but to call her.

"Haaa..."

Letting out a long sigh, I pressed on the contact and called Melissa.

'I might regret this.'

***

'So bright...'

With her eyes squinting, Melissa had trouble keeping her eyes open while camera lights flashed before her and shutters clicked all around her.

Click. Click. Click.

'So annoying.'

Waving in front of her, Melissa forced herself to smile.

—We would like to once again congratulate Melissa Hall for her exemplary research on [Mana dissemination amongst beasts]. Thanks to her research, humanity has once again advanced several steps! As expected of her!

In the meantime, a loud voice echoed throughout the large auditorium as a man dressed in a black suit handed her a certificate. He was the president of the National Group of Science.

The largest scientific community in the human domain.

"Thank you."

With a bright smile, Melissa thanked the president, and reached out for the certificate.

'How much longer do I have to do this for?'

After taking the paper, Melissa glanced at it casually.

Hall for her outstanding capabilities in the field of research and development. Her outstanding achievements

'How useless...'

a bright smile, Melissa hugged the certificate to her chest and bowed her head toward

loud clapping sounds of the audience who stood up from their

persisted for ten minutes, before it was finally time for Melissa to finally leave the

head one more time and thanked the President of the NGS. A

'Finally...'

Melissa left the stage, her smile vanished from her face. Waiting for her at the end of the stage was Rosie who immediately jumped at the opportunity to congratulate her. In her hands was

"Congratulation—"

"Take it."

Rosie, Melissa moodily stormed off

"Wahh!"

her hand over the papers and supported

"Wait up!"

top of the stack of papers,

leaving so early? I heard that there is

"Not interested."

Melissa snapply replied.

participate in a party filled with perverted old men that leered at

it is a great chance to make great

them. I have

lobby. As Melissa gazed around, her eyes soon landed on the enormous glass doors in

sight of the large car waiting outside

"Welcome young miss."

exiting the building, a man dressed in black stepped out of the vehicle and opened the door for her. Melissa

Clank—!

me,

was Rosie. She looked rather tired as she still held onto the large stacks of

glancing at her, Melissa nudged her with her

in, I don't have

"O..okay."

her, Rosie put

Knock. Knock.

glass door signaled the driver to start the car. Within a few seconds, the car had disappeared into

spent in uncomfortable silence as Melissa stared

sharp turn, one

the certificate of

[NGS National Award Certificate]

her teeth, Melissa crumbled the paper in her

'Useless.'

at the reward. Rather than feeling any sense

I don't think you should throw

picked

there that would be very envious

have it for all I

scenery outside. A low whisper escaped her lips as her eyes closed for a

not like anyone else cares

accomplishments in their life, but to

of many, and one that nobody

say that no one in her family knew she had won the award, and even if they did, they would most likely

world was ruled by strength. In her family, science and technology

father's influence, Melissa

it wasn't as though her own

don't think it's a

whole paper, she carefully placed

your family doesn't accept the fact that you are a scientist, doesn't mean that

"Shut up."

her hair behind her ear, Melissa glared at Rosie from

talk about them. You will only end up souring

stared at Melissa for a good couple of seconds

"As you wish."

the two sat in silence following her words, a tense atmosphere permeated the

Riiing—! Riiing—!

the silence was the sound of Melissa's phone ringing. Furrowing her brows, Melissa took out her phone and looked at the user

[Ren Dover.]

"Oh fuck."

herself from swearing, Melissa's face twisted as she stared at the user ID. This was probably the last person that she wanted to talk to

considered her options, she realized that ignoring Ren would only

persistent

"Ugh."