The massive serpent circled the chamber, its glowing scales casting shifting patterns across the ancient walls. Its tail swept through the water with deadly precision, sending debris and sand spiraling into the currents.
"Spread out!" Tharn barked, firing a pulse of energy from his weapon. The shot struck the creature's side, but the shimmering scales absorbed the impact like ripples on a pond.
Kade darted to the left, narrowly avoiding a snapping set of jaws filled with razor-sharp teeth. "That thing's armor is tougher than a cruiser's hull!" he yelled, clutching his knife.
Liora hovered near the center of the chamber, the Sigil on her hand blazing with golden light. She could feel the temple's energy coursing through her, mingling with her own. The creature wasn't just a random guardian—it was connected to the Starborn's power, a living embodiment of their ancient will.
"Liora, we need options!" Kade shouted, swimming frantically to avoid another strike from the serpent's tail.
"I'm working on it!" she replied, her voice strained as she focused on the Sigil.
The creature lunged toward her, its glowing eyes locked onto the Sigil's light. Liora raised her hand instinctively, and a shield of energy erupted in front of her. The serpent's head collided with the barrier, sending shockwaves through the chamber.
The force of the impact pushed Liora backward, but she held her ground. "It's drawn to the Sigil!" she realized, her voice echoing through the water.
"Then distract it!" Tharn called out, firing another shot. This time, he aimed for the serpent's eyes. The blast struck true, and the creature recoiled with an otherworldly roar, its tail thrashing wildly.
Liora took a deep breath and swam toward the center of the chamber, the Sigil's light growing brighter with each movement. The serpent's attention snapped back to her, its massive body coiling as it prepared to strike.
"Over here!" she shouted, hoping to lure it away from Kade and Tharn.
The creature surged forward, its jaws wide open. Liora waited until the last possible second before raising both hands. A pulse of golden energy erupted from her, enveloping the serpent in a radiant glow.
The serpent roared again, its movements slowing as the light seeped into its scales. For a moment, Liora thought she had subdued it—but then the creature thrashed violently, breaking free of the energy's hold.
"It's not enough!" she cried, her voice tinged with frustration.
"We need to hit it where it's weakest!" Tharn said, swimming to her side. "The glowing patterns on its chest—they're some kind of energy core. Aim for that!"
Liora nodded, her resolve hardening. She extended her hand toward Kade, who tossed her a small explosive charge from his belt. "Make it count!" he said.
Liora swam closer to the serpent, dodging its sweeping tail and snapping jaws. The Sigil's light pulsed in time with her heartbeat, guiding her movements. As she approached the creature's chest, she could see the intricate patterns glowing faintly beneath its armor.
The serpent reared back, its body coiling as it prepared for another strike. Liora used the Sigil's energy to propel herself forward, closing the gap in a flash.
"Now!" she shouted, slamming the explosive charge against the serpent's chest.
The creature roared in fury, its entire body convulsing as the charge detonated. A shockwave rippled through the water, sending debris flying in all directions.
Liora was thrown backward, the force of the explosion knocking the wind from her lungs. She struggled to regain her bearings, her vision swimming as the serpent's massive form writhed in the chamber's center.
"It's weakening!" Kade shouted, swimming toward her.
The serpent's movements grew sluggish, its glow flickering like a dying star. Liora summoned the last of her strength, channeling the Sigil's energy into a focused beam of light.
"Together!" she called out, raising her hand.
Kade and Tharn fired their weapons in unison, their shots converging with Liora's beam. The combined force struck the serpent's chest, shattering its energy core in a brilliant explosion of light.
The creature let out one final, mournful roar before collapsing, its massive body sinking to the chamber floor. The light in its eyes faded, leaving only the soft glow of the temple's symbols to illuminate the space.
The chamber fell silent, the water calm once more. Liora floated in place, her chest heaving as she tried to catch her breath. Kade and Tharn swam to her side, their expressions a mixture of relief and awe.
"You did it," Kade said, a grin breaking across his face.
"We did it," Liora corrected, though her voice was weary.
Tharn placed a hand on her shoulder. "That was impressive, kid. But we're not out of the woods yet. Let's get what we came for and get out of here."
Liora nodded and turned back to the pedestal. The crystal sphere still pulsed with golden light, undisturbed by the chaos of the battle. She reached out and placed her hand on its surface.
The sphere's light enveloped her, and a flood of images filled her mind—maps, symbols, and the faces of other Starborn scattered across the galaxy. A sense of connection washed over her, stronger than anything she had felt before.
"The next temple," she murmured, her voice filled with wonder. "It's calling to us."
As the group surfaced and climbed back onto the floating island, the twin suns of Veylna cast a warm glow over the ocean. Liora looked back at the waves, her heart heavy but hopeful.
The serpent had been a formidable foe, but it was only the beginning. The Starborn's legacy was awakening, and with it came both great power and great responsibility.
"We've got what we need," Tharn said, his voice cutting through her thoughts. "But the Empire won't wait for us to make the next move."
Liora clenched her fists, the Sigil's glow faint but steady. "Then let's not give them the chance."
The freighter lifted off, leaving Veylna's beauty behind as it ascended into the stars. Ahead lay new challenges, new allies, and the promise of a galaxy worth fighting for.