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.

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

'How useless...'

the certificate to her

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

was finally time

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

'Finally...'

for her at the end of the stage was Rosie who immediately jumped at the

"Congratulation—"

"Take it."

Melissa moodily stormed off the

"Wahh!"

her balance, Rosie quickly hooked her hand over the

"Wait up!"

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

leaving so early? I heard that there is an

"Not interested."

Melissa snapply replied.

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

is a great chance to

them. I have plenty

around, her eyes soon landed on the enormous glass

the large car waiting outside and she started walking toward

"Welcome young miss."

in black stepped out of the vehicle and opened the door for her. Melissa glanced

Clank—!

for me, young

the car, entering from the other side was Rosie. She looked rather tired as she

Melissa nudged

have more time

"O..okay."

her, Rosie put on

Knock. Knock.

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

minutes were spent in uncomfortable silence as Melissa stared

midst of the silence, on a sharp turn, one

the certificate

[NGS National Award Certificate]

a clench of her teeth, Melissa crumbled the

'Useless.'

was all she thought as she stared at the reward. Rather than feeling any sense of

think you

picked up the

many people out there that would be very envious of your

it for all I

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

like anyone else cares

been their greatest accomplishments in their life, but to Melissa,

of many, and one that nobody else

more accurate to say that no one in her family knew she had won the award,

ruled by strength. In her family, science and technology were considered nothing but

her father's influence, Melissa would've probably already been thrown out

wasn't as though her own

don't think it's a waste

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

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

"Shut up."

Melissa glared at Rosie from the corner of

them. You will only

Rosie stared at Melissa for a

"As you wish."

her

Riiing—! Riiing—!

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

[Ren Dover.]

"Oh fuck."

herself from swearing, Melissa's face twisted as she stared at the user ID.

ignoring Ren would only lead

was as persistent as

"Ugh."