The academy's formal reception hall was reserved for dignitaries and official ceremonies, so when students were summoned there on a regular Tuesday morning, rumors spread quickly through the dormitories. Axnem arrived with his classmates to find an impressive assembly—academy leadership, several Continental Council representatives, and a group of individuals whose magical presence made the air itself feel denser.
Headmistress Vaelthorne stood at the center of the gathering, her expression more serious than Axnem had ever seen. Beside her, a woman in elaborate robes that seemed to shift color in the light commanded immediate attention. Her magical aura was so intense that even students without advanced training could sense it.
"Students," the Headmistress began, her voice carrying easily through the large hall, "I present Archmaster Lyralei Stormwind of the Continental Council's Crisis Response Division."
The title sent whispers through the assembled students. Archmasters were legendary figures—individuals whose magical capabilities transcended normal classification. In the entire continent, fewer than a dozen people held such rank, and their involvement indicated that the crisis had escalated beyond anything publicly acknowledged.
Archmaster Stormwind stepped forward, and when she spoke, her voice seemed to resonate from multiple directions simultaneously. "Young scholars, recent developments require expansion of our response capabilities. The magical disruptions affecting multiple territories have proven more complex than initial analysis suggested."
She gestured, and a three-dimensional map materialized above the gathering—not a simple projection, but a living model that showed real-time magical field fluctuations across the entire continent. The scale and detail were breathtaking, representing computational power beyond anything Axnem had seen even in his future memories.
"Fifteen separate incidents in the past week," the Archmaster continued. "Patterns that suggest coordination beyond individual capability. We believe hostile forces are employing techniques that our standard defensive measures cannot counter."
The map shifted, highlighting areas where magical networks had been detected. The patterns were unmistakably similar to the ancient network casting principles that Axnem's family archives had revealed.
"Therefore," Headmistress Vaelthorne announced, "the academy will be implementing accelerated training programs for students who demonstrate exceptional theoretical understanding and practical capability. These programs will involve real fieldwork under faculty supervision."
Axnem felt his stomach tighten. Fieldwork meant direct exposure to the magical disruptions—dangerous conditions that had injured or killed experienced researchers in his future timeline.
"Students selected for advanced programs will receive specialized instruction in defensive techniques, crisis response protocols, and..." the Archmaster paused meaningfully, "alternative magical approaches that may prove necessary for effective countermeasures."
The clear reference to network casting sent a ripple of excitement through the assembled students. Word of the experimental programs had spread despite official secrecy, and many were eager for opportunities to participate in cutting-edge research.
"Selection will be based on demonstrated ability, theoretical knowledge, and psychological evaluation," Professor Malvorn announced from his position near the faculty group. "Candidates must exhibit maturity sufficient for high-risk operations."
As the assembly dispersed, Axnem noticed several faculty members observing specific students with obvious interest. His performance in recent network casting exercises had clearly attracted attention, but he wasn't certain whether that attention was welcome or problematic.
"They're looking at us," Noharim murmured as they filed out of the reception hall. "Malvorn, your aunt, and that graduate student from the theoretical division."
"Selection process already beginning," Lyle added practically. "Question is whether we want to be selected."