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.

pleasure that I congratulate Melissa Hall for her outstanding capabilities in the field of research and development. Her outstanding achievements over the past year have earned her this award from the National

'How useless...'

Melissa hugged the certificate to her chest and bowed her

the loud clapping sounds of the

was finally time for Melissa to

she made sure to bow her head one more time and thanked the President

'Finally...'

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.

"Congratulation—"

"Take it."

Rosie, Melissa moodily stormed off the

"Wahh!"

hand over the papers and supported the bottom

"Wait up!"

putting the certificate on top of the stack of papers, Rosie

are you leaving so early? I heard

"Not interested."

Melissa snapply replied.

filled with perverted old men that leered at her

it is a great chance

need them. I have

Melissa gazed around, her eyes soon landed on the enormous glass

of the large car waiting outside and

"Welcome young miss."

building, a man dressed in black stepped out of the vehicle and opened the door

Clank—!

me, young

Rosie. She looked rather tired as she still

Melissa nudged her with her

have more time

"O..okay."

beside her, Rosie

Knock. Knock.

knock on the glass door signaled the driver to start the car. Within a few seconds, the

as Melissa stared at the ever-changing scenery outside

on a sharp turn, one of the papers fell down

was the certificate

[NGS National Award Certificate]

clench of her teeth, Melissa crumbled the paper in

'Useless.'

as she stared at the reward. Rather than

miss, I don't think you should throw

her body, Rosie carefully picked up the certificate and unwrinkled

out there that would be very envious

can have it for all I

ever-changing scenery outside. A low whisper escaped her lips

anyone else cares

achievements would've been their greatest accomplishments in their life, but to Melissa, it was just like any other reward

that nobody

she had won the award,

strength. In her family, science and

father's influence, Melissa would've probably already

then, it wasn't as though her own

it's a waste

echoed inside the car. Finally unwrinkling the whole paper,

accept the fact that you are a scientist, doesn't mean that there are people out there that don't

"Shut up."

glared

them. You will only end

Rosie stared at Melissa for a good couple

"As you wish."

in silence following her words, a tense atmosphere permeated the

Riiing—! Riiing—!

Melissa's phone ringing. Furrowing her brows, Melissa took out

[Ren Dover.]

"Oh fuck."

twisted as she stared at the user ID. This was probably the last person that she wanted

ignoring Ren would only

was as persistent as a

"Ugh."