The last 30 days have been entirely consumed by developing what I’ve come to call the "Surgical Awakening" power. It’s a technique that has required nearly all of my focus, combining the energy from the source magic I acquired and applying it to the principles I’ve been studying for years. The aim was clear—find as many applications for this technique as possible, starting with myself.

I’ve primarily concentrated on enhancing my nervous system. The process, however, is anything but simple. Each procedure is painful, and the difficulty of performing surgery on oneself without any error cannot be overstated. The smallest slip could result in significant consequences. Even the minor procedures take over 8 hours to complete, requiring a level of precision and endurance that tests me both physically and mentally. There were several nights I couldn’t finish, my hands shaking too much to continue.

Despite the challenges, the results have been impressive. My reflexes are sharper, responses quicker, and the overall enhancement of my nervous system is significant. I feel stronger, more in tune with my body than ever before, but it has come at a cost. The pain, though bearable, has been a constant companion. Still, I can’t help but feel this is just the beginning.

The past 30 days have been focused on the next logical step: refining the mutagens and reagents necessary to enhance my brain. My nervous system had already undergone significant modification following the first contract, but optimizing the brain is paramount—it is the crowning piece of this custom system. This process required more than just precision; it required an understanding of limits and the delicate balance between advancement and risk.

The surgery itself took 11 hours, each step calculated to avoid error. Adjustments to the mutagen formulations were made continuously to ensure optimal integration with the existing neural pathways. The pain was relevant, as expected, but within manageable thresholds.

The results are, by all measurable standards, significant. My capacity to process information has improved substantially, reducing the time required for complex analysis by a factor of 3.5. Intelligence, once an innate characteristic, is now a resource—something I can direct, amplify, and refine depending on the demands of both research and contract work. The efficiency of mental operations has increased, though there are still areas for further exploration.

While the modifications have proven functional under controlled conditions, practical testing in both the laboratory and the field will be necessary. The full potential remains untapped, but the progress thus far is substantial. Each advancement opens new possibilities, and I remain focused on pushing this evolution further.

The past month has been devoted largely to family and refining my medical expertise. Time spent with Elena, my mother, and stepfather has been grounding, particularly after the recent contract’s demands. My focus has been on strengthening my medical knowledge and refining skills that have proven essential. Although I had intended to improve my boxing and martial skills as well, the available time did not allow for it. The physical demands of the contracts highlight this gap, though at present, it’s one I’ll have to tolerate.

Research this month has been centered on visual enhancements. After selecting a range of animal eye structures for study, I’ve formulated new mutagens tailored to optical improvement. The integration of "harpy lenses" and abyssal octopus eye fluid, rich in Chlorin e6, has yielded promising results. My night vision has improved significantly, allowing me to operate effectively in low light. Additionally, the telescopic properties of these modifications extend my range of vision, providing a strategic advantage.

Each advancement here represents one more step toward the final objective. The modifications are stable, though further testing in field conditions will confirm their full range of application.

The past weeks have been dedicated to rest, medical study, and returning to boxing. Each day has followed a deliberate routine, though the underlying frustration remains persistent. Another failure in the field, another instance of being pushed beyond capacity. It raises a significant question: whether this path, with its demands and repeated shortcomings, is viable. The disappointment has settled more deeply this time. The thought of discontinuing contracts has occurred with increasing frequency.

Normally, I would address this sort of doubt with Elena. But disclosing how close I came to dying would impose a weight I’d rather not place on her. To manage these ongoing uncertainties, I’ve begun psychotherapy and meditation. The results have been relevant—contractor status seems to enhance adaptability, and both processes are advancing faster than anticipated.

Progress is evident, though I am still adjusting. I continue with the work—methodically, even if the conviction has yet to return.