I almost got turned off by the romance thank goodness he rejected her. I just want him to focus on developing his power first. They're still 12-13 years old it's too early for that.
And also please respect my opinion but I think romance is kinda unnecessary for this. A subtle tinny beeny weeny tease romance is ok but I swear if there's a part they became impulsive and accidentally killed or harmed people just because of love, I'm really sorry I might drop this.. I already tolerated enough the part where Tess kissed Art while he's in a vegetable state..







This is good but the damsel in distress trope is ugh no no for me. I don't hate Tess but I just don't like how they used her as a plot device to make the story go forward by making her kinda weak and selfish (not me but acccording to the spoilers.) She's a good fl if only they didn't make her character unbearable to some in the future chapters.
Finally, someone who understands me, I thought people are not bothered by it and justify that "it all for the plot," I really like the beginning of the story, but it went downhill in the arc where Tess becomes a plot device.
I was really disppointed, like I would consider it if she only done "one stupid decision" for whole "plot device," but the author make her selfish and stupid by debirately making her repeat stupid actions.
Some people will say "she is a teen and acts immaturely, thus her actions are justified"
(Some spoilers.....) she is not just a teen, she was assigned as a commander or leader (I think)