The discovery of magic in Terra Novum shook the very foundations of the Union's understanding of this world. The scientific and military minds of Earth had always viewed the world through the lens of physics and engineering, but here, they faced an entirely new paradigm. Magic wasn't just a myth or a primitive belief system; it was a real, tangible force that shaped the lives of everyone in this realm.
The Union set up research bases and brought in their brightest scientists to study this phenomenon. They captured mages—those capable of wielding magic—from the villages and towns they encountered. Initially, these captives were treated with suspicion, seen as potential threats. But as the Union began to grasp the intricacies of magic, their approach shifted to curiosity and even respect.
They found that magic was tied to the Crystals of this world, which were far more abundant than the ones found through the Gates on Earth. These Crystals acted as conduits, amplifiers, and storage units for magical energy. Mages could draw power from them, casting spells of incredible variety—from healing wounds to creating walls of fire, summoning lightning from the sky, or even manipulating time and space. The potential applications of this new understanding were limitless, and the Union was eager to harness it.
Collaborations between the mages and Earth's scientists began, though not without tension. Many mages resented their captors and refused to cooperate, viewing them as invaders who had disrupted the natural order of their world. Others, more pragmatic or opportunistic, were willing to teach in exchange for favors, promises of safety, or glimpses of Earth's technology.
As these collaborations progressed, a new kind of hybrid warfare began to take shape. The Union started developing experimental units that combined their technological prowess with the newfound magic. Imagine tanks that could fire projectiles enchanted to pierce through both armor and magical shields, or infantry wielding firearms imbued with explosive runes that could decimate enemy ranks with a single shot. It was a marriage of Earth's science and Terra Novum's magic, a terrifying new power that threatened to upset the balance of this world.
But the Union was not the only one learning and adapting. Word of the strangers from the Gate spread quickly through Terra Novum. The kingdoms, empires, and clans that ruled this world were ancient, and they were not to be underestimated. Some had already begun to study the strange weapons of the Union, replicating them in crude but effective ways. Others sought out ancient magics and forgotten gods to counter the alien threat.
Diplomacy was quickly becoming a complex web of deceit, alliance, and power plays. Some kingdoms saw an opportunity in these newcomers, believing they could tip the scales in their favor against their enemies. Others united against what they saw as a common enemy, forming coalitions to resist the encroachment of Earth's forces. The Union's leaders realized that every action they took in this new world had repercussions, and they needed to tread carefully. The line between conqueror and diplomat was thin, and the consequences of crossing it could be dire.
Despite their military advantage, the Union's leaders were beginning to understand that this world would not be easily subdued. Terra Novum was alive with magic, and its people were not just backward primitives; they were survivors of countless wars, stewards of ancient wisdom, and wielders of power that Earth could barely comprehend.
And so, the question remained: how far were they willing to go to claim the riches of this world? And at what cost?