Astro had explored many corners of the Phaver Lagoon, but none of them was as mysterious as the Sunken Temple. Legends spoke of an ancient sea serpent, a creature of immeasurable power, said to be Mothered deep inside the ruins. What had tantalized Astro the most were the rumors that the serpent guarded an artifact called the Serpent's Pearl-a relic perfect for ending wisdom and strength to its finder.
Not one to give in, Astro swam deeper than he had ever thought he could. The waters grew ever colder and darker, and soon he found himself staring into it-a large temple, long-forgotten and covered in seaweed and coral's green mantle, while scattered through the ruins were fledgling SOCIAL coins, each glowing faintly like patches of a puzzle bringing him closer all the time.
As Astro approached the temple’s doorway, a strange low rumble reverberated through the water decorating him below. The sea-floor themselves quaked from it, and then the serpent revealed itself from the temple, the colossal length of its body tapering down to a brighter gloss from the luminescent surface of the ocean. Its eyes glared a fierce gold; its presence made were the ambushing waters swirl with overpowering currents.
The creature watched every second of his discourse as its enormous body encircled the temple, but it did not engage. Disconcertingly eyed by virtue of being on leave from its perceptive-ness. Astro quickly gathered this was therefore not so much a test of strength but more like character. The serpent, having jaunted about in this temple for eternity, had waited for someone worthy of its treasure.
Letting out a deep breath, Astround clamored for the pearl. As he grabbed it, a burst of energy rippled through the waters surrounding him, and the serpent roared a mighty roar. Yet, it simply roused and wrapped itself around him, its golden eyes entrenched in his gaze. This instant created an uncanny bond.
With this motion, the ocean around them changed. The ruins of the submerged Temple flared with a brilliant glow, and the serpent, freed from its bond with the ancient temple, swam up to the open waters with an ecstatic burst of vigor. With the Serpent's Pearl in hand, Astro felt a warm surge of power and connections flow into him. The pearl had granted him not only understanding but also an ability to communicate with the fishes of the ocean, uniting him with the serpent and the depths of the sea.
The serpent lowered its massive head toward Astround as a sign of respect before Surging into the deep, leaving a glittering path behind. Thus Astro knew that, from now on, he would not only be a protector of the Phaver Lagoon but also a keeper of an ancient secret. With Serpent's Pearl in power, limitless adventures lay ahead.
