The advanced training facility occupied an entire wing of the academy's research complex, its reinforced walls designed to contain magical experiments that might prove hazardous to surrounding areas. Axnem stood with Noharim and Lyle as Professor Malvorn prepared to demonstrate the first practical applications of network casting theory.
"The principles you've been studying theoretically will now be tested under controlled conditions," Malvorn announced to the assembled group of advanced students. "Network casting requires precise coordination between practitioners, mathematical accuracy in energy distribution, and complete trust in your partners' capabilities."
The demonstration setup involved three crystalline formation arranged in a triangular pattern, each designed to amplify and focus magical energy while maintaining connection to the others. The geometric precision was critical—even small variations in positioning could cause the network to collapse or produce dangerous feedback effects.
"Begin with basic energy sharing," Malvorn instructed. "Each practitioner will channel fifty units of mana into their assigned crystal. The network will combine and amplify the total output, theoretically producing results equivalent to two hundred units from a single source."
Axnem took his position at one of the crystals, with Noharim and Lyle completing the triangle. As they began channeling energy, he could feel the unfamiliar sensation of his magical force connecting with his partners' abilities—not the competitive push-and-pull of normal magical exercises, but a genuine merging of capabilities.
The central monitoring display showed their combined output stabilizing at one hundred ninety units—not quite the theoretical maximum, but remarkable for a first attempt at an entirely new technique.
"Excellent initial results," Malvorn observed, making careful notes. "Miss Vaelthorne, your control provided the stabilizing foundation. Mr. Ashmore, your systematic approach maintained mathematical precision. Mr. Black, your adaptive techniques kept the network functional when minor synchronization problems occurred."
As they continued practicing, Axnem began to understand why network casting had been abandoned by earlier generations. The technique required levels of cooperation and trust that were difficult to maintain under stress conditions. Individual magical training emphasized personal control and independence—qualities that actually interfered with effective network participation.
"The implications for crisis response are significant," Noharim observed during a break between exercises. "If we can develop reliable network techniques, small groups of academy-trained mages could potentially counter magical disruptions that would otherwise require Archmaster-level individual capability."
"But it also means our enemies might be using similar principles," Lyle added practically. "If they can coordinate multiple practitioners into effective networks, they could achieve strategic effects while remaining individually undetectable."
The observation sent a chill through Axnem. In his future memories, the source of magical disruptions had never been definitively identified because investigators had been looking for individual perpetrators with impossible levels of power. If coordinated networks were responsible, the actual participants might have been skilled but not exceptional practitioners—people who could operate without attracting attention from academy monitoring systems.
"We need to accelerate this research," he said, though he kept his reasoning private. "If network casting is being used against critical infrastructure, we need defensive applications as quickly as possible."
Professor Malvorn approached their group as they prepared for the next exercise. "Your progress suggests readiness for more advanced applications. Tomorrow we'll attempt coordinated spellcasting—using network principles to achieve specific magical effects rather than simply amplifying raw energy output."
As they left the training facility, Axnem's mind raced through implications. The rediscovery of network casting principles could provide exactly the capabilities needed to counter the developing crisis. But it also represented knowledge that his family's enemies would very much prefer to control rather than allow the academy to develop independently.
The balancing act between cooperation and self-protection was becoming increasingly delicate, and the stakes were rising with each successful demonstration of the ancient techniques his family had preserved.