As a manga prophet, allow me to say that the next arc(s) have much less focus on gathering materials and more on the application of scientific principles/equipment, psychology, and tactics. The story will begin to move toward real intrigue going forward, and I believe the hype will return with it. This season was the second half of an arc they couldn't fit into the first season, I would argue, and its pacing suffered for it. After a clean break, the next season should be much better.