I don't usually enjoy post-apocalyptic stories, but I did enjoy this one. However, I didn't find the central conflict very convincing. If Sak is humanity's only hope of eliminating the infected, then his health and survival should have been the academy's highest priority. Instead of pushing his body to its limits while isolating him from the one person who keeps him emotionally grounded (remember, Sak lacks empathy but with Lima's thoughts he became more empathetic), the logical approach would have been to keep Lima by his side, study how to preserve Sak's health, and find a way to replicate his ability. Separating them only gave the two of them a reason to run away, when earning their trust would have made far more sense.
I also wish there was more romantic buildup between the two of them. I wanted more moments that showed their feelings developing, especially on Sak's side, since it felt like he only fell in love after the academy manipulated him into forming an attachment to Lima. The side characters (Grainger, the director, and the man who seems to be Grainger's partner) also felt like they had stories worth telling, but the manga didn't have enough time to explore them.
I only wish the ending had been more satisfying. It felt like Sak's suffering and their life on the run could have been avoided if the people in power had simply acted more rationally.
What I liked most were the internal monologues. I found myself relating to the two MCs' thoughts at times, especially the idea that it's not a good idea to bring innocent children into this harsh and cruel world. I also understood the idea that when you're barely managing your own life, the last thing you need is another person to love because you'll worry about them too, and that can feel like another burden. At the same time, I know that the people we love can also make life worth living. Not that I've personally experienced that, but I like that the story explored those topics.
I don't usually enjoy post-apocalyptic stories, but I did enjoy this one. However, I didn't find the central conflict very convincing. If Sak is humanity's only hope of eliminating the infected, then his health and survival should have been the academy's highest priority. Instead of pushing his body to its limits while isolating him from the one person who keeps him emotionally grounded (remember, Sak lacks empathy but with Lima's thoughts he became more empathetic), the logical approach would have been to keep Lima by his side, study how to preserve Sak's health, and find a way to replicate his ability. Separating them only gave the two of them a reason to run away, when earning their trust would have made far more sense.
I also wish there was more romantic buildup between the two of them. I wanted more moments that showed their feelings developing, especially on Sak's side, since it felt like he only fell in love after the academy manipulated him into forming an attachment to Lima. The side characters (Grainger, the director, and the man who seems to be Grainger's partner) also felt like they had stories worth telling, but the manga didn't have enough time to explore them.
I only wish the ending had been more satisfying. It felt like Sak's suffering and their life on the run could have been avoided if the people in power had simply acted more rationally.
What I liked most were the internal monologues. I found myself relating to the two MCs' thoughts at times, especially the idea that it's not a good idea to bring innocent children into this harsh and cruel world. I also understood the idea that when you're barely managing your own life, the last thing you need is another person to love because you'll worry about them too, and that can feel like another burden. At the same time, I know that the people we love can also make life worth living. Not that I've personally experienced that, but I like that the story explored those topics.