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

'How useless...'

the certificate to her chest and

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

it was finally time for Melissa to finally leave the

thanked

'Finally...'

stage was Rosie who immediately jumped at the opportunity to congratulate her. In her hands

"Congratulation—"

"Take it."

Rosie, Melissa

"Wahh!"

her hand over

"Wait up!"

of the stack of papers,

are you leaving so early? I heard that there is an

"Not interested."

Melissa snapply replied.

would want to participate in a party filled with

great chance to make great

don't need them. I

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

the large car waiting outside and she started walking toward

"Welcome young miss."

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

Clank—!

me, young

entering from the other side was Rosie. She looked rather tired as she still held onto the large stacks of

glancing at her, Melissa nudged her

I don't have more time

"O..okay."

putting the papers beside her, Rosie put on

Knock. Knock.

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

sharp turn, one

was the certificate of today's

[NGS National Award Certificate]

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

'Useless.'

stared at the reward. Rather than feeling any sense of accomplishment from it, all she felt

don't think you should throw away your

body, Rosie carefully picked

that would be very envious

can have it

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

like anyone else cares

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

and one that nobody else she knew

say that no one in her family knew she had won the award, and even if they did, they would most likely

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

been for her father's influence, Melissa would've probably

then, it wasn't as though

think it's a waste

whole paper, she carefully placed it on

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

"Shut up."

her ear, Melissa glared at Rosie from

talk about them. You will only end up souring my already

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

"As you wish."

in silence following her words, a

Riiing—! Riiing—!

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

[Ren Dover.]

"Oh fuck."

ID. This was probably the last person that she wanted to talk to at the

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

as persistent as a

"Ugh."