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.

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 National

'How useless...'

hugged the certificate to her chest and

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

finally time for Melissa to finally leave the

she made sure to bow her head one more time and thanked the President of the

'Finally...'

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

"Congratulation—"

"Take it."

the certificate to Rosie, Melissa moodily

"Wahh!"

Rosie quickly hooked her hand over the papers and supported the

"Wait up!"

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

why are you leaving so early? I heard that there

"Not interested."

Melissa snapply replied.

with perverted old men that leered at her with every chance

a great chance

don't need them.

turning the corner, Melissa entered the venue's lobby. As Melissa gazed around, her eyes soon landed on

eyes caught sight of the large car waiting outside and

"Welcome young miss."

black stepped out of the vehicle and opened the

Clank—!

for me, young

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

at her, Melissa

have

"O..okay."

putting the papers beside her, Rosie

Knock. Knock.

knock on the glass door signaled 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

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

the certificate of today's

[NGS National Award Certificate]

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

'Useless.'

Rather than

you should

picked up the certificate and unwrinkled

that would be very envious of your

it for

the ever-changing scenery outside. A low whisper escaped her lips as

anyone else

such achievements would've been their greatest accomplishments in their life, but to Melissa, it

many, and one that nobody else she knew

to say that no one in her family knew she had won

world was ruled by strength. In her family, science and technology

Melissa would've probably already been thrown

though her own parents

don't think it's

whole paper, she carefully placed

because your 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 for who

"Shut up."

glared at Rosie from the corner

You will only end up souring

stared at Melissa for a good couple of seconds before she nodded

"As you wish."

her

Riiing—! Riiing—!

sound of Melissa's phone ringing. Furrowing her brows,

[Ren Dover.]

"Oh fuck."

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

Ren

persistent as

"Ugh."