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.

that I congratulate Melissa Hall for her outstanding capabilities in the field of research and development. Her outstanding achievements over the past

'How useless...'

Melissa hugged the certificate to her chest and bowed

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

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

her head one more time and thanked the President of the NGS. A bright smile adorned her

'Finally...'

of the stage was Rosie who immediately jumped at the opportunity

"Congratulation—"

"Take it."

the certificate to Rosie, Melissa moodily stormed off

"Wahh!"

Rosie quickly hooked her hand over

"Wait up!"

putting the certificate on top of the stack of papers,

early? I heard

"Not interested."

Melissa snapply replied.

with perverted

great chance to

them. I have

around, her eyes

the large car waiting

"Welcome young miss."

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

Clank—!

me, young

She looked rather tired as

at her, Melissa nudged

have more time

"O..okay."

her, Rosie put on her

Knock. Knock.

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

minutes were spent in uncomfortable silence as Melissa stared at the ever-changing scenery

turn, one of the papers fell down

was the certificate

[NGS National Award Certificate]

the paper in her hand before throwing it

'Useless.'

at the reward. Rather than feeling

don't think you

Rosie carefully picked up the certificate

out there that would be very envious of

have it for

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

anyone else

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

of many, and one that nobody else

say that no one in her family knew she had won the award, and even if

ruled by strength. In her family, science and

not been for her father's influence, Melissa would've probably already been thrown out

wasn't as though her

don't think it's a waste

voice echoed inside the car. Finally unwrinkling the whole paper, she carefully placed it on top of the stack of

the fact that you are a scientist, doesn't

"Shut up."

behind her ear, Melissa glared at Rosie from the corner of her

will only end up

a good couple of seconds before she

"As you wish."

in silence following her words, a tense atmosphere permeated

Riiing—! Riiing—!

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

[Ren Dover.]

"Oh fuck."

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

ignoring Ren would only lead to

persistent as a

"Ugh."