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 year have earned her this award from the

'How useless...'

Melissa hugged the certificate to her chest and

actions were followed by the loud clapping sounds of the audience who stood up from their seats to

before it was finally time for Melissa

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

'Finally...'

smile vanished from her face. Waiting for her at the end of the stage was Rosie who immediately jumped at the opportunity to congratulate her. In her hands was a large stack

"Congratulation—"

"Take it."

Melissa moodily stormed

"Wahh!"

losing her balance, Rosie quickly hooked her hand over the

"Wait up!"

top of the stack of papers, Rosie

you leaving so early? I

"Not interested."

Melissa snapply replied.

would want to participate in a party filled with perverted

a great chance to make great

them.

Melissa gazed around, her eyes soon landed on

car waiting

"Welcome young miss."

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

Clank—!

for me, young

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

at her, Melissa nudged her with her

have more time to

"O..okay."

the papers beside her, Rosie put on

Knock. Knock.

to start the car. Within

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

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

certificate of today's

[NGS National Award Certificate]

clench of her teeth, Melissa crumbled the paper in her

'Useless.'

the reward. Rather than feeling

don't think you should throw away your

body, Rosie carefully picked up the certificate and

people out there that would be very envious of

it

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

anyone else

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

one that nobody else she knew cared

she had won the award, and even if they did, they

science and

influence, Melissa would've probably already

as though her

don't think it's

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

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

"Shut up."

glared at Rosie from

only end up souring my already

for a good couple of seconds before she nodded her

"As you wish."

her words,

Riiing—! Riiing—!

phone ringing. Furrowing her brows, Melissa took

[Ren Dover.]

"Oh fuck."

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

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

persistent as

"Ugh."