Kaelis stood slowly. "You've been using these formations in active combat?"
"For over a year," Leon confirmed. "The Eastern Gate's last surge would have overrun our position with traditional magic. The formations held the line with fewer casualties than projected."
"Impressive," Kaelis said, and her tone suggested she meant it. "I'd like to see variations. Different tactical applications."
"Senior Mage Aldric," Leon said without looking away from Kaelis. "Rotation pattern seven."
Aldric grinned and signaled to the mages. They smoothly transitioned to a different formation - this one designed for rapid repositioning while maintaining defensive coverage. A mobile formation, used when gates spawn creatures across wide areas.
For the next hour, Leon demonstrated formation after formation. Not timidly, not hesitantly, he had been overcome with courage - these were proven combat techniques, and he showed them with the confidence of someone who'd watched them save lives. Defensive variations for different creature types. Siege configurations for overwhelming numbers. Hybrid formations that could switch between offense and defense. Supply efficiency arrays that extended mana reserves.
Each demonstration used real combat veterans, real tactical scenarios, real stakes.
The Solmarans asked questions. Leon answered directly, no deflection, no vagueness. When Therin asked about load distribution theory, Leon explained it using principles he knew were sound - triangular stability, circular flow, square distribution - without mentioning he was just applying engineering mathematics.
When another Solmaran mage questioned whether less experienced mages could handle such complex formations, Leon had Aldric demonstrate with younger soldiers who'd trained for only three weeks. They performed competently - not perfectly, but well enough to prove the point.
"The circle does most of the work," Leon said. "Experienced mages maximize efficiency, but even trained soldiers with basic mana control can use these formations effectively. That's essential for the gate - we'll need every mage we can find, regardless of skill level."
By the time the demonstrations concluded, the sun had passed its peak. Leon's hands were dusty with chalk from adjusting formations between displays. His throat was dry from constant explanation. But he'd maintained the persona throughout - the High Archmage, the Hero of the First Clear, showing fellow professionals what he'd developed through a year of brutal combat experience.
Not a nervous fraud. A combat commander demonstrating proven techniques.
Kaelis approached as the crowd began to disperse.
"High Archmage," she said, "the Empire has fought gates for sixteen years. We've lost thousands of mages learning harsh lessons about sustained combat. What you've developed-" She paused. "-represents years of advancement compressed into months. If even half of these techniques can be adopted by Imperial mages before the Horizon Gate opens-"
"They can," Leon said with certainty. Not arrogance - just stating fact. "I have instructors trained to teach these formations. The basic patterns can be learned in weeks. Mastery takes longer, but we don't have time for mastery. We need functional competence across as many mages as possible."
"Agreed." Kaelis glanced at her delegation. "We leave for the gate tomorrow. Once I verify your threat assessment, The Emperor will authorize full deployment. And High Archmage-" She met his eyes. "-the Empire will want your instructors. We'll need to integrate these formations into Imperial doctrine before our mages arrive."
"Whatever's necessary," Leon said.
"Then we have an understanding." Kaelis offered a shallow bow - respect between equals, not subordinate to superior. "Thank you for the demonstration. It was... enlightening."
She departed with her delegation. Therin lingered for a moment.
"High Archmage," the young magister said quietly, "I've studied magical theory my entire life. Traditional circles, historical variations, theoretical optimizations. What you've developed-" He shook his head. "-it's revolutionary. The precision, the circle integration - you've fundamentally reimagined how we approach combat magic."
"I reimagined how we survive," Leon corrected. "Everything else is just details."
Therin smiled. "I hope you'll permit me to learn from you during our journey east. I have many questions about your theoretical framework."
Of course you do, Leon thought, but maintained his calm expression. "We'll have three weeks of travel, Magister. Plenty of time for discussion."
Therin bowed and hurried after the other Solmarans.
Leon stood alone in the training yard, surrounded by chalk formations that might have convinced a foreign empire Aldoria was worth saving. Around him, soldiers were already beginning cleanup, carefully preserving the more complex patterns in case they needed to be referenced later.
"That," Aldric said, appearing at his shoulder with a satisfied grin, "was masterfully done. You didn't give them a demonstration - you gave them a mind blowing show . Showed them exactly what we're bringing to the alliance."
"They needed to see we're not helpless," Leon said. "That we have something valuable to contribute beyond desperation."
"You convinced them," Aldric said. "The way Kaelis looked at those formations-she understands as all do their value. Solmara will commit forces. I'd bet my commission on it."
Leon hoped Aldric was right. The demonstration had gone as well as possible - he'd shown competence, authority, proven combat effectiveness. Had acted like the High Archmage everyone believed him to be.
The fraud had held.
"Get some rest," Aldric said. "Tomorrow we ride east. Three weeks to the Horizon Gate, and Magister Therin will probably spend the entire journey asking questions."
"Let him ask," Leon said with more confidence than he felt. "If his questions help him understand how to train Imperial mages in these techniques, it's time well spent."
Aldric laughed and headed toward the castle.
Leon remained in the yard a moment longer, looking at the formations that had saved his kingdom and might save the world. Engineering principles disguised as revolutionary magic. Mathematics dressed up as arcane theory.
But they worked. That was what mattered.
Tomorrow, they'd journey to the Horizon Gate., again - he groaned despite himself - The Solmarans would see the tear in reality that spanned miles, would understand the threat was real. Hoefully, they would send the best soldiers.
And Leon would continue being the High Archmage - confident, competent, commanding.
A legend built on desperate engineering and accidental reputation.
But a legend that just might hold long enough to save everyone.