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.

of research and development. Her outstanding achievements over the past year have earned her this award from the National Group of

'How useless...'

hugged the certificate to her chest and bowed her

were followed by the loud clapping sounds of the audience who

before it was finally time for Melissa to finally leave

and thanked

'Finally...'

for her at the end of the stage was Rosie

"Congratulation—"

"Take it."

certificate to Rosie, Melissa moodily stormed

"Wahh!"

Rosie quickly hooked her hand over the papers

"Wait up!"

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

so early? I heard that there

"Not interested."

Melissa snapply replied.

filled with perverted old men

a great chance

them.

venue's lobby. As Melissa gazed around, her

the large car waiting

"Welcome young miss."

and opened the door for

Clank—!

me, young

the car, entering from the other side was Rosie. She

her, Melissa

in, I don't have more time to

"O..okay."

putting the papers beside her, Rosie put on her

Knock. Knock.

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

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

midst of the silence, on a sharp turn,

was the certificate of

[NGS National Award Certificate]

of her teeth, Melissa crumbled the paper in

'Useless.'

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

you should throw away your

carefully picked up the certificate and unwrinkled

many people out there that would

can have it for all

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

like anyone

their greatest accomplishments in their life,

that nobody else she knew

had won the award, and even if they did, they would most likely not

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

been for her father's influence, Melissa

wasn't as though her own

don't think it's

car. Finally unwrinkling the whole paper,

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

"Shut up."

behind her ear, Melissa glared at Rosie

about them. You will only end up souring

at Melissa for a good couple of seconds before

"As you wish."

following her words, a tense atmosphere permeated

Riiing—! Riiing—!

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

[Ren Dover.]

"Oh fuck."

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

ignoring Ren would only lead

as persistent as a

"Ugh."