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.

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

'How useless...'

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

followed by the loud clapping sounds of the audience who stood up from

was finally time for Melissa to finally leave

and thanked the President of the NGS. A bright smile adorned her face the entire

'Finally...'

Waiting for her at the end of the stage was Rosie who

"Congratulation—"

"Take it."

Melissa moodily stormed

"Wahh!"

quickly hooked her hand over the papers and supported the

"Wait up!"

of the stack of papers, Rosie

early? I heard that there is an after

"Not interested."

Melissa snapply replied.

filled with perverted old men that leered at her

it is a great chance to make great

need them.

gazed around, her eyes soon landed on the

her eyes caught sight of the large car

"Welcome young miss."

a man dressed in black stepped out of the vehicle and opened the door for her. Melissa glanced at him briefly before entering

Clank—!

for me,

entering from the other side was Rosie. She

Melissa nudged

have

"O..okay."

the papers beside her,

Knock. Knock.

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

in uncomfortable silence as Melissa stared at the ever-changing scenery outside of the

turn, one of the papers

the certificate of today's

[NGS National Award Certificate]

Melissa crumbled the paper in her hand

'Useless.'

all she thought as she stared at the reward. Rather than feeling any sense of accomplishment from it,

miss, I don't think you should throw

body, Rosie carefully picked up the certificate and

many people out there that would be very envious of your

can have it for all I

continued to stare at the ever-changing scenery outside. A low whisper escaped her lips as her

not like anyone else

greatest accomplishments in their life, but to Melissa, it was just

that nobody else

family knew she had won the award, and even if they did, they would most likely not

by strength. In her family, science and technology were

it not been for her father's influence, Melissa

wasn't as though her

think it's a waste

car. Finally unwrinkling the whole paper, she carefully placed it on

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

"Shut up."

Melissa glared at Rosie from

talk about them. You will only end up souring

mouth, Rosie stared at Melissa for a good couple

"As you wish."

the two sat in silence following her

Riiing—! Riiing—!

of Melissa's phone ringing. Furrowing her brows,

[Ren Dover.]

"Oh fuck."

stared at the user ID.

she considered her options, she realized that ignoring Ren would only lead

as persistent

"Ugh."