Planet Lord: The Rise of Civilization

The air was thick with the smell of old stone and dormant machines. Flickering blue lights lit up the dark corridor ahead. This wasn't a simple exploration. It was a military mission.

Rael led a group of over 200 soldiers. They weren't just any soldiers; they were specialists, grouped in teams of 20 with squad leaders.

Beside him, Captain Thorne marched with a firm stance. His armor was scuffed, but he barked orders loud and clear.

Squads 3, 4, and 5, check your gear! If your crossbow is jammed or your blade is dull, you'll be running laps around the outer wall for a week.

Yes, Captain! the soldiers replied in unison.

At the back, Kael and Lyssa traveled close behind. Lyssa studied the walls, focusing on the symbols carved into the stone. Engineers walked with her, holding tools to spot traps and hidden paths.

Kael moved casually, flipping his dagger. "This place is friendlier than the last one," he said. "No drones or death rays. Just a long walk. Very peaceful."

"Peace doesn't last in places like this," Rael warned, keeping his gaze forward. "Stay alert, Kael."

"Yeah, yeah, Captain Serious. I'll behave."

Lyssa kept her eyes on the symbols, her fingers tracing the markings. "This place isn't dead," she said, worry creeping into her voice. "It's awake and watching us."

A chill ran through the group.

"Is it dangerous?" Rael asked.

"Not yet," she answered. "But it's waiting."

Rael turned to the soldiers. "Squad leaders, let's form up cautiously. Shields up. No one touches anything unless Lyssa or the engineers say so."

Got it, Commander! came the echoed responses.

---

Ahead, the main chamber opened up. It was huge, filled with platforms and staircases. The soft hum of old power vibrated under their feet. Soldiers lined up along the edges, ready with crossbows aimed at the upper levels.

"Captain," Thorne pointed to the elevated platforms. "That high ground is a death trap. If they attack us from up there, we'll be cornered."

Rael took a look around. "Good point. Squad 2, set up snipers. Squad 4, send scouts to all entry points. Report any movement right away."

The soldiers acted quickly, turning the room into a fortified base. Snipers climbed up high while scouts moved fast to check the paths ahead.

Kael, what do you think? Rael asked.

Kael leaned against a pillar, eyes sharp on the flickering lights. "I don't like it. Too many places for enemies to strike. If we're hit, it'll be from that doorway over there." He pointed to a big door at the far end. "I bet my daggers on it."

Rael nodded. "Thorne, send two squads to secure that doorway. Heavy shields in front and ranged support behind."

"Understood." Thorne signaled, and squads 6 and 7 moved to block the entrance, shields locked together with crossbows at the ready.

The tension grew. Engineers set up scanning devices, and Lyssa knelt next to a control panel covered in glowing symbols. She tapped the symbols, moving her fingers carefully.

"I'm trying to access the system," she said. "If I can sync with it, I can control what happens inside this ruin."

"Any risks?" Rael asked, still eyeing the distant corridors.

"Of course," she smirked. "But if I stopped because of risks, we wouldn't be here."

---

Suddenly, the runes shifted from blue to red. The hum grew louder, shaking the ground. Dust fell, and metal clanks echoed from the walls.

"Commander!" a scout's voice crackled through the comm. "Movement detected! Multiple enemies coming our way!"

"Defensive positions!" Rael shouted. "Shields up! Get ready for a breach!"

The soldiers moved quickly, snapping into battle formation. Crossbowmen readied their weapons, while shield-bearers joined their shields, forming a strong barrier.

From a distant corridor, a swarm of metal spiders rushed in. Their limbs clicked against the stone. Hundreds flooded in.

"Fire at will!" Rael commanded.

Bolts shot out. Soldiers aimed at the spiders' eyes, causing sparks and metal fragments to fly. Engineers activated small turrets, adding to the chaotic firepower.

"Hold the line!" Thorne shouted, his spear striking down a spider leaping toward him. The shield-bearers held firm as the wave of spiders surged.

"Enemy above!" a sniper warned.

More constructs dropped from the platforms above. Rael swore. Squad 3, cover the high ground! Squad 5, reinforce the line!

The air was thick with flashes and clashing metal. Kael zipped around, his daggers slicing into spider legs.

"Lyssa, how's it going?" Rael yelled, fighting off another spider.

"Almost there!" she shouted, her fingers moving fast over the control panel. If I can sync, I can shut everything down!

---

The soldiers were holding strong. Their formation stood firm, blocking spiders that hit hard. Kael, grinning wide, jumped on a large construct, stabbing into it.

"Ha! Got you, ugly!" He rode it down as it crashed to the ground.

Thorne's spear took down two smaller spiders. "They just keep pouring in!"

"Protect Lyssa!" Rael yelled, cutting through more spiders as he rushed toward her.

"System override complete!" Lyssa exclaimed, pressing the last rune hard.

A bright pulse shot out. The spiders froze, their eyes dimming and going dark.

Silence fell.

Panting, soldiers stayed ready, glancing nervously at the frozen constructs. Lyssa sank to the ground, her exhaustion clear. "We did it. I can control the ruin now."

Rael didn't smile. "No. This is just the start. If we control this place, others will come for it."

Kael sheathed his daggers and smirked. "Then they'd better be ready to fight."

Thorne approached Rael, looking serious. "We lost five soldiers. Eleven wounded. What's your order, Commander?"

Rael fixed his gaze on the calm, golden core in the chamber.

"Bar the entrances," he said firmly. "We're not leaving. We'll hold this ruin, no matter what."

The soldiers let out a powerful cheer. Their resolve was unbreakable.