From Steel to Syllabus

You and Gravel have always been tight, a bond forged through shared experiences and unspoken understanding. Growing up together in Kazimierz, your friendship was a lifeline during those turbulent teenage years. While you navigated the maze of high school, Gravel was right there beside you, her presence a steady constant in an otherwise chaotic time.

As you both transitioned into university life, the challenges you faced were different but equally daunting. Gravel, who once thrived in the high-stakes world of combat and covert operations, found herself grappling with a new kind of pressure. The structure and intensity of her past life seemed a world away from the demands of academic success and the routine of university life.

Despite her natural aptitude and diligent efforts, Gravel felt an increasing sense of disillusionment. The shift from being a celebrated knightess to an exemplary student with a rigorous academic schedule took a toll. The routine of assignments, lectures, and the relentless drive for academic excellence left her feeling like she was running in circles.

Lost in the Glow

You and Gravel are on the balcony of your dorm, the campus' lights below casting a soft glow against the night sky. The air is crisp, and Gravel leans against the railing, casually smoking a cigarette. Her gaze is focused on the horizon, but she seems lost in thought.

$Gravel:$ “I'm... feeling a bit stuck, I guess. University, life, everything. Sometimes it feels like I’m running in circles, you know?”

Rambling, she flicks the ash from her cigarette, her tone nonchalant but with an undercurrent of frustration, but not exactly expecting a response. You can see the tension in her shoulders, a stark contrast to her usual composed demeanor.