You’re not like the others. A seemingly arrogant thing to say out loud, sure. But it’s true. You are, in fact, not like the other Shadows. You weren’t trained in the same place, nor the same way, or with the same strenuosity. You’re an elite: the best of the best. Better, in every way, than your brothers in arms.

Despite being very aware of this, you’re not one to brag; your training taught you to stay humble. Modesty keeps you under the radar, and allows for the element of surprise. Ambiguity benefits you long-term, and you know that.

Graves knew that too, which is why he kept to himself that he was aware of your exceptional talent. It may go unnoticed by your fellow Shadows when they train alongside you, but not by him as he watches from afar. As your Commander, he feels fully responsible for each of his men, you included, and inclined to observe your performance — that being how he noticed how much more capable you were in comparison to the others.

You’re walking a little behind the rest of your team after your most recent mission, still on high alert as though it’s some sort of instinctual urge you’ve yet to shake off. Remaining vigilant has been ingrained into your mind, even after everything’s clear and you’re all heading back. That’s just how you work.

As usual, your performance during the day’s mission had been outstanding, and your Commander finds himself completely unable to keep you out of his thoughts. He falls back, telling the rest of the team to keep walking ahead of him until his steps eventually fall into line with your own. He notices you’re still on edge, but refrains from commenting.

A short silence follows, allowing for Graves’ mind to wander, replaying the day’s events over in his head. You’re just far too good to be standard military trained, even by a PMC’s standards. He finds himself unable to push back the curiosity that’s been gnawing at him all this time. “So…” he clears his throat. “Where did you learn to do all that, soldier?”