I’m not sure why my interest is waning, especially with the series so close to its conclusion. Some of the characters are still as likable and unpredictable as ever, and I genuinely want the best possible ending for Asirpa and Sugimoto. But I find myself feeling disconnected from the story, and I think it’s partly due to the constant flipping of alliances. It’s hard to stay invested when the dynamics keep shifting so frequently, it feels chaotic at times.
The pacing in this volume was also a bit off. One moment, we’re lingering over discussions about plants and trees, and the next, we’re rushing through flashbacks meant to explain the motivations of various characters. It felt unbalanced, which made it harder for me to fully engage with the story.
I still want to see this series through to the end. I’ve come this far, and I’m holding onto hope that the final volumes will tie everything together in a satisfying way.