As of this moment, I am appreciating the darker and melancholic aspects of the novel. However, there's one major issue I have with the series so far, and it revolves around the relationship between the main character (MC) and the protagonist. To avoid spoiling anything, let me explain a particular scene that frustrated me.
In the story, the MC enters a motel with an elderly man to earn extra income, as she struggles to buy food for her friend, Sylvia, whom she wants to be closer to. The author sets up a situation that appears serious, but ultimately, the MC uses her abilities to impress scientists for financial gain. The protagonist, upon seeing her exit the motel with the old man and a stack of cash, assumes something inappropriate based on the limited context.
The MC's obliviousness to how her actions might be perceived doesn't help matters. She inadvertently worsens the misunderstanding by admitting to doing it for the money or suggesting she enjoys it, without fully grasping the implications. Later, when the protagonist discovers her financial difficulties, his knowledge includes her resorting to such measures and supporting Sylvia financially. This leads to tension, as he intervenes and the MC reacts negatively, even developing hatred towards him.
While it's later revealed that her intentions were to survive by befriending Sylvia, the protagonist wouldn't necessarily know that at the time. It feels like a simple misinterpretation due to her lack of self-awareness. I hope that the dynamic between the MC and the protagonist improves in future chapters, rather than relying on additional contrived reasons for animosity.