Rosalind was tested to an extent she had never expected. Everything from the basics of how one would stoke a forge and keep it active to advanced theory and then on her technique itself. She learned very quickly just how skilled her new employer was as he made remarks now and again that helped her gain insight on how to improve. She unfortunately didn't have time to put that advice into practice, but she drank it in like someone dying of thirst, asking her own questions in return and getting a surprised and happy smile from Strom in return.
The hours of her morning passed just like this, sweating and toiling in her employer's forge until he was satisfied she met his standards. The very reason that such a high paying position had been open was due to Strom's own struggle to find someone that matched the skill level he needed without being more than a second year. It seemed that he had hit the jackpot in Rosalind who was just finishing the make of a simple short sword blade, hammering at the red hot metal with muscles that one wouldn't know existed when wearing her uniform.
Before she knew it Rosalind was told to clean up in the shower in the basement and go get something to eat. Her next course would be coming up soon and she needed to meet up with the others. It appeared that her employer was satisfied with her work, going as far as to give her a bit of praise and asking her to return the following day when she didn't have her course. They would be starting the actual work, apparently crafting a large bulk order of varying weapons for the Empire's military force. Some were even very specialized weapons with very specific requirements, many of which had a request for specific enchantments.
Rosalind did as she was told, taking a short but pleasant shower, removing the accumulated sweat and soot before dawning her uniform and walking quickly out the door after giving a proper goodbye to her employer. Stepping out into the desert air during what could actually be considered one of the hottest times of day felt like stepping into a lukewarm spring day in comparison to her employer's forge. She was actually surprised the building was able to contain that heat as well as it did, not wasting more of it on the desert streets outside.
Soon she met with Jien and the others outside their usual mess hall, having jogged the entire way without complaint or hassle to make it there on time. As she arrived, spotting the other she didn't hesitate to jump at Jien, giddy about her success in finding such a well paid position to help support their unit. Jien, though caught partially by surprise caught her so that she wouldn't cause a commotion before quickly turning and helping her stand upright, showing no difference in reaction from his calm eyes and a small smile. He was far too used to these moments by now and simply took them in stride while Rosalind never pushed them beyond these opportunities to steal a quick hug from him before rushing off to give Olivia a hug as well.
They moved inside shortly after and discussed some of their different experiences as they had eaten. Olivia and Jien had discussed their trade transactions and dealings with Rodrick, who, according to Rebecca was known as the current "Merchant King" a position owned by the fourth year merchant that had the most profitable business. It was also discovered that the man was Rebecca's mentor, grooming her to take the position by the time she was a fourth year.
Rosalind was quick to jump into the discussion talking about her employer and how knowledgeable he was as well as the various tests he put her through. When she mentioned how many Merits per month she would be earning the others were rather shocked. It appeared that her earnings alone would match half of what the others would be earning together. Jien was quick to run some calculations and smiled upon seeing the number of merits they would accumulate during the first semester. They would be well on their way to a fully self-sustaining system by the end.
When pressured Barret caved every so slightly on his own experience, saying that he was interviewed and field tested. He didn't specify anything further stating that it was confidential. Though they wanted to know more about what he would be doing they knew better than to try and stick their noses where they weren't supposed to. Jien however did make sure to inquire about his earnings so he could add them to his calculations, soon finding that Barret would be earning more than Rosalind herself.
Like this they emptied their plates and finished discussing. The only other oddity of the group in terms of work was Andrew. He had originally signed up to try his hand at one of the many smaller clinics in the section of the academy near their residence. However, after he was tested on his healing and first aid they had actually told him that he was too skilled to waste on their clinic, instead writing him a recommendation letter and sending him back to Central Administration before he was sent to the far edge of the academy to a rather massive but simple looking building along the outer wall that sat closest to the Eternal Battlefield.
When entering he discovered that it was the main hospital of the Academy. He had been recommended to learn and train under some of the best healers in the Academy and quickly found himself under the tutelage of an older woman who went by the name Tabitha. She never had discussed herself other than the name and had instead drilled him on every type of first aid and healing he knew and several he had no awareness of.
By the time Andrew was finished with his explanation they were outside their next classroom in a familiar district of the Academy to Rosalind. It was the section that she had just come from and they were in front of a very familiar door with a cloth covered knocker and handle, a suffocating heat radiating from the cracks.