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The Gate of Ages

The world changed on the day the first Gate appeared. A massive, swirling vortex of energy erupted in the heart of New York City, towering over the skyline. It was unlike anything humanity had ever seen—a shimmering doorway to the unknown, pulsing with a power that seemed to defy the laws of physics. Within days, similar gates began appearing around the globe, from the Amazon rainforest to the Siberian tundra. Scientists were baffled, governments were alarmed, and the military mobilized. These Gates, as they came to be known, allowed only a limited number of people to pass through at any given time, depending on the "level" of the Gate. The world quickly learned that beyond these portals lay realms filled with monsters, creatures straight out of ancient legends and nightmares. The monsters were deadly, their strength and ferocity determined by the disaster level of the Gate they guarded. But those who managed to defeat them found treasures of immense value—items of great power and utility, and most importantly, the Crystals.

Quartermaster · Adolescents et jeunes adultes
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35 Chs

Chapter 8: Diplomacy and Deception

With several key victories under their belt, the Union sought to explore diplomatic avenues to consolidate their gains. They hoped to form alliances with some of Terra Novum's kingdoms, leveraging their technological prowess in exchange for support or resources.

Diplomatic envoys were dispatched to various kingdoms, including the powerful sorcerous empire of Draconis and the enigmatic city-state of Sarnath. The Union's representatives presented their advanced technology and offered mutual benefits, hoping to sway these realms to their side.

However, diplomacy in Terra Novum was fraught with intrigue and deception. The kingdoms were deeply interconnected through a web of alliances, rivalries, and ancient feuds. The Union's envoys quickly found themselves entangled in a complex game of politics. The leaders they met were skilled negotiators, adept at playing one faction against another to their advantage.

The sorcerers of Draconis, for example, were interested in the Union's technology but wary of becoming entangled in their conflicts. They demanded significant concessions and guarantees before agreeing to any alliance. Meanwhile, Sarnath's rulers were more interested in the Union's magical research, hoping to gain access to their knowledge in exchange for providing safe passage and intelligence.

The diplomatic efforts were further complicated by the rise of The Keepers of the Veil, a faction that opposed the Union's presence. The Keepers had their own network of spies and informants, working to undermine the Union's diplomatic efforts and incite resistance among the various kingdoms.

The Union's attempts at diplomacy often backfired. They faced sabotage, betrayal, and manipulation from all sides. The Keepers of the Veil spread propaganda, painting the Union as a threat to Terra Novum's very existence. The political landscape became increasingly hostile, with alliances shifting and new rivalries emerging.

Despite these setbacks, the Union continued its efforts, trying to balance diplomacy with military might. They understood that gaining support from key kingdoms was crucial to maintaining their foothold and achieving their long-term goals.