Chapter 5: Shadows of the Past

As the Union continued its push deeper into Terra Novum, they began to uncover ancient ruins, monuments, and long-forgotten cities hidden within the dense forests and towering mountains. These sites hinted at a time before even the oldest kingdoms of this world—when gods and titans walked the land, and magic was not just a force, but the very essence of existence.

The discovery of these ruins was a game-changer. The Crystals found here were different, pulsating with an energy that felt almost alive. They were more potent than anything encountered before, suggesting that there was an even deeper layer to this world's mysteries. They also hinted at the existence of a "Core Crystal," a source of unimaginable power said to be buried deep beneath the earth, guarded by ancient beings and powerful spells.

For the Union, this was an opportunity that could not be ignored. If they could harness such power, they wouldn't just dominate Terra Novum; they could reshape the fate of Earth itself. The Union's high command ordered an immediate excavation and exploration effort, pouring resources into uncovering these ancient secrets. Teams of archaeologists, scientists, soldiers, and even a few cooperative mages were deployed to these sites, delving deeper into the mysteries of Terra Novum's past.

However, as they explored these ruins, they began to trigger ancient defenses. Golems made of stone and crystal awoke from their slumber, attacking anything that approached. Ghostly figures, remnants of a time long gone, manifested to protect their sacred grounds. And in the deep, forbidden places, there were whispers of things far more sinister—creatures that had slumbered for eons, awakening to the disturbance of their rest.

These encounters shook the Union forces to their core. It became clear that they were not merely facing a primitive world but one with its own deep history and buried powers. More alarming were the prophecies and warnings inscribed on the walls of these ancient ruins—warnings of an era when portals would open, and beings from another realm would come, bringing with them both salvation and destruction.

The inhabitants of Terra Novum, upon learning of the Union's actions, reacted with a mixture of fear and fury. Many saw the Union's excavations as an affront to their ancestors, a violation of sacred grounds. This new outrage only fueled the flames of resistance. Guerilla attacks on Union bases became more frequent and organized, with kingdoms that were once neutral now joining forces to drive the invaders out.

Amid this growing resistance, a new faction emerged. A secretive group calling themselves "The Keepers of the Veil," composed of mages, scholars, and warriors from various kingdoms, began to orchestrate a more unified response against the Union. They saw themselves as the guardians of Terra Novum's history and magic, and they were determined to prevent the invaders from unearthing the forbidden secrets of their world.

The Keepers launched covert operations against Union excavations, stealing Crystals, sabotaging machinery, and assassinating key figures. They spread their message through the kingdoms, rallying support and revealing the prophecies they believed foretold of the Union's arrival.

The Union, realizing they were facing a more coordinated threat than before, decided to ramp up their efforts. They deployed their newly developed hybrid units to hunt down the Keepers, but this only served to embolden their enemies. The battles grew bloodier, and the stakes higher.

As the conflict in Terra Novum escalated, the Union's leaders found themselves at a crossroads. They were beginning to understand that this world was not just a treasure trove to be exploited but a place with its own ancient power struggles, alliances, and mysteries that could either doom them or bring them unimaginable power. But they were also beginning to realize that they might have awakened something far more dangerous—an ancient force that had lain dormant, waiting for the right moment to rise again.

The line between conquest and survival was growing thinner by the day, and the Union would have to decide just how far they were willing to go to secure their foothold in this new world. The price of power, it seemed, was becoming steeper with every step they took.