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.

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...'

certificate to her chest and bowed her head toward the

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

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

more time and thanked the President

'Finally...'

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."

certificate to Rosie, Melissa moodily stormed off the

"Wahh!"

her balance, Rosie quickly hooked her hand over the papers and supported the bottom

"Wait up!"

the stack of papers,

so early? I

"Not interested."

Melissa snapply replied.

in a party filled with perverted

it is a great chance

don't need them. I have plenty

venue's lobby. As Melissa gazed around, her eyes soon landed on

eyes caught sight of the large car

"Welcome young miss."

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

Clank—!

for me, young

was Rosie. She looked rather tired as she still held onto

at her, Melissa nudged

I don't have

"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

uncomfortable silence as Melissa stared at the

sharp turn, one of the papers

was the certificate of

[NGS National Award Certificate]

clench of her teeth, Melissa crumbled the paper in her hand

'Useless.'

thought as she stared at the reward. Rather than feeling any

you should

her body, Rosie carefully picked

out there that would be very envious of your

can have it for all I

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

like anyone

would've been their greatest accomplishments in their life,

and one that nobody else

would be more accurate to say that no one in her family knew she had won the award, and even if they did, they

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

it not been for her father's influence, Melissa

as though her own parents liked

think it's a waste

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

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

"Shut up."

Melissa glared at Rosie from the corner of

talk about them. You will only

stared at Melissa for a good couple of seconds before she

"As you wish."

following her words, a tense atmosphere

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

options, she realized that ignoring Ren would only lead to

persistent as

"Ugh."