It's not the first time I've seen an author depict a character in a way that leaves the reader with no sympathy for them, only to reveal their backstory in the next chapter. I always wonder, isn't there a better narrative approach to this? Instead of waiting for the backstory to fix a character's lack of appeal, why not build sympathy earlier on?
After chapter 21, I feel no sympathy for Ayami, and to be honest, I don't even care about her backstory anymore. Her character feels so unlikable in chapter 21, and the sudden attempt to make her sympathetic feels forced.
Wouldn't it have been more effective to give Ayami more 'screen time' beforehand, so the reader could understand her better? By showing her struggles, motivations, or even some redeeming qualities early on, the author could have created a foundation for empathy, building a deeper connection between the reader and the character. It just feels like a missed opportunity when the emotional payoff comes too late, making it hard for me to care about Ayami, no matter what her backstory reveals.
Thanks for the chapter!