The group spent their afternoon working in the variety of positions they had signed up for, working tirelessly for the Merits that they could earn. Afterwards they all returned to the common area of their quarters, gathering to review their findings and make corrections if needed where they could. While the goal was to earn as many credits as they could for the first two years before their studies would become more specialized. If they could earn enough to coast for the last two years then those that would remain for military duty after their education would be able to carry forward what little they had left at the end to improve their starting point. They would also have deeper foundations in their specialties and would be able to build firmer connections than those that struggled to earn in the end of their education.
This was a common issue as most new students didn't read their guide book. Merits were a discussion that officially began at the end of the second year to make sure that students would use their new base of knowledge to work more efficiently in their next duties. For the first years who read their guide books they found out that there were no restrictions on when one could take work for Merits. If they were smart enough they latched onto the opportunity to get ahead of the others.
Jien and Olivia were the first to arrive back followed shortly after by Julie. Jien and Olivia looked exhausted, Jien slumped back in his seat with an open book while Olivia was laying her head in her arms on the table. Julie herself appeared full of energy a rather bright smile on her face that caught Jien's attention. She seemed to have a warmer presence than when she would often scowl at him during their training session. The contrast was one that he found interesting.
The others were not far behind, flowing in with tired expressions. The last to show was Barret who walked into the room silently with his usual stoic expression. The only difference was that there now sat a single black, metal star on his lapel that seemed to absorb light. Hanging from it was a simple black loop where one could hang something. Knowing the Barret had mentioned the Black Chains he guessed that his teammate would eventually adorn his uniform with the same chain as those he had seen twice before.
Barret sat at the table among those who seemed slumped either further back into their chairs or onto the table. As he sat the others adjusted their postures in a rather forced manner, bringing their attention to Jien who seemed to be looking at each of them as if trying to see through their experiences before speaking. Soon he let out a short sigh. "Our first afternoon appears to have been a harsher experience than we may have expected. I would like to hear from each of you to understand how we may need to adjust."
His words were straight forward but the implications of their responses helped bring the others to alertness. Jien turned his head to Olivia to start things out, asking her to detail their experience so far. Olivia gave what could only be interpreted as an exasperated sigh before taking a deep breath.
"The alchemy labs are organized and supply all of the glassware for even advanced concoction. We were able to brew a number of less complicated formulas and have them ready to test the market in the morning. Our hope is to earn enough for the next two day rental. Tomorrow we will concoct another batch depending on our findings regarding the market and strive to earn enough to buy ingredients and start our store of Merits from alchemy."
The others nodded to this, a two day cycle depending on the market could potentially earn a lot more than the steady professions. The downside was that if they couldn't make an earning and didn't know when to stop their efforts they may lose out in terms of merits over time. They would need to carefully monitor their new alchemy venture as a team to ensure it didn't cause issues in the long term.
Rosalind, with a cheery smile, but somehow lacking her usual energy spoke next. "Professor Strom and I have smithed a number of supplies but have only completed a fifth of our overall demand for the month, most having been forged by him prior to taking me on as his apprentice worker. When he isn't teaching he is a bit of slave driver but I think we will finish in time, possibly a bit ahead of time if he takes time to teach me a few of his techniques." She sighed again, remembering his form and methods but after trying to use them herself finding herself far from being able to execute them in even their most simple steps. "The earnings from this position are likely to be higher than the rest but it is only a short term contract unless I can ensure he will extend it."
Jien was the one to nod this time. He wanted them all to use their strengths to find positions they could excel and build on. If Rosalind could get even one extension of her duties not only could she earn a fair amount she could also learn something invaluable for their later studies and even for their future past the academy itself. Every city worth its salt was always in need of better crafted equipment.
Surprisingly Barret cut in at this point before Julie could do more than part her lips. "I was successful in joining. The earnings won't be low and the contract is for the entirety of my stay in the Academy. That is all that I am able to tell." His cool words were the cause for many eyebrows to raise but Jien didn't seem all that upset, simply giving a nod. "Alright, just keep us up to date on what we need to know on the earnings."