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.

Upon returning to the U.S., I made the decision to sell the pharmacy. Liquidating my assets was a calculated step toward increasing my financial liquidity. This also allowed me to finally accept the position as head of the drug research department, a role that had been offered some time ago. The decision wasn’t made lightly. Running a small business requires a discipline that I no longer have the time to maintain. Contracting has consumed more of my schedule than expected, and the reality is that my availability is becoming less predictable. Financially, this is the more sustainable path, even though access to certain pharmaceuticals will now be more limited.

In addition to managing this transition, I’ve focused on my physical conditioning. The last contract pushed my body in ways I hadn’t fully prepared for. The need for further development in strength and flexibility became clear, and I’ve adjusted my routine accordingly. There is significant work ahead, but progress is being made.

Finally, I’ve chosen to assist with Eon’s legal fees. Her situation is problematic, and the circumstances of the last contract were highly debatable. She’s clearly facing considerable challenges at home. Offering my support in this regard feels necessary, even if the outcome remains uncertain.

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.