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.

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 Group

'How useless...'

to her chest and

clapping sounds of the audience who stood up from their seats to congratulate

it was finally

and thanked the President

'Finally...'

stage, her smile vanished from her face. Waiting for her at the end of the stage was Rosie who immediately jumped at

"Congratulation—"

"Take it."

Rosie, Melissa moodily stormed

"Wahh!"

over the papers and supported

"Wait up!"

top of the stack of papers, Rosie followed her

you leaving so early? I heard that

"Not interested."

Melissa snapply replied.

if she would want to participate in a party filled with perverted old men that

a great

need them. I

turning the corner, Melissa entered the venue's lobby. As Melissa gazed around, her eyes

caught sight of the large car waiting outside and she started walking toward it

"Welcome young miss."

of the vehicle and opened the door for her. Melissa glanced at him briefly before

Clank—!

for me, young

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

at her, Melissa nudged her with her

I don't have more time to

"O..okay."

beside her, Rosie put

Knock. Knock.

driver to start the car. Within a few seconds, the car had disappeared

as Melissa stared at the

of the silence, on a sharp turn, one of the papers fell

the certificate

[NGS National Award Certificate]

teeth, Melissa crumbled the paper in her hand before throwing

'Useless.'

Rather than feeling any

don't think you should throw away

body, Rosie carefully picked up

there that would be

it for all

at the ever-changing scenery outside. A low whisper

not like anyone else cares

life, but to Melissa, it was just like

that nobody else she knew

family knew she had won the

world was ruled by strength. In her family, science and technology were considered nothing but a waste of

Melissa

though her own

it's a waste of

whole paper, she carefully placed it on top of the stack of

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

"Shut up."

her ear, Melissa glared at Rosie from

them. You will only end up souring my already

stared at Melissa for a good couple of seconds before she nodded

"As you wish."

two sat in silence following her words,

Riiing—! Riiing—!

silence was the sound of Melissa's phone ringing. Furrowing her brows, Melissa took

[Ren Dover.]

"Oh fuck."

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

her options, she realized that ignoring Ren would only lead

as persistent as

"Ugh."