The vast, shimmering sea stretched endlessly before Sawerigading's fleet, each wave carrying the weight of his past and the promise of a distant future. Months had passed since they left their homeland, and with every sunrise, the burden on the prince's heart grew heavier, yet his resolve remained unbroken. Their long journey towards Ale Cina had etched scars of weariness and triumph upon his men’s bodies and souls.
One night, as the sails were lowered, the ship swayed gently. Batara Lattu, seated at the stern, observed his pensive son. "When you carry such a wound, how do you discern it is not merely a shadow?" he asked softly. Sawerigading lowered his gaze, his fingers brushing the water’s surface. "Shadows become real if I do not face them, Father. I must see them to atone."
Suddenly, Lapanan Rang, Sawerigading’s trusted right-hand man, approached. "My Lord, I perceive something on the horizon. Ships are moving closer, and they are not merchants." Sawerigading’s voice was firm. "Time stands still. Prepare everything. We must not allow them to gain an advantage before we understand their intentions."
The battle raged for seven days and nights, claiming many lives, yet Sawerigading’s forces remained steadfast. When the pirate leader finally fell before Lapanan Rang, the fury of combat yielded to a bitter silence. Sawerigading then commanded, "Take them alive. Provide them with food. Wounds should not be avenged with further malice." Lapanan Rang looked at the defeated leader, breathing heavily. "My Lord, is showing them mercy a sign of weakness?" Sawerigading replied, "It is a sign of humanity wishing to remain human. If we harbor vengeance, our descendants will bear its weight."
Soon after, another adversary emerged: Latupuk Solo. This time, a noble from Walen Renge was slain, igniting widespread fury. Lamaguni, renowned for his bravery, challenged Latupuk Solo directly. Their duel ignited the spirits of both sides, and after a prolonged struggle, Lamaguni emerged victorious. The enemy lines faltered, and triumph once again favored Sawerigading.
The fleet continued its arduous voyage, encountering more formidable foes like Latu-pugelang, Laend R Pulak, and the Malakan Commander Lawi. One by one, these adversaries were vanquished, but the relentless succession of battles left Sawerigading’s company utterly exhausted, their strength waning.
Just as their endurance waned, unexpected aid arrived. An armada from the Sky Kingdom, led by Remang Rilangi, husband of We Tenriabeng, descended like a divine intervention. With these celestial allies, Sawerigading’s forces fought with renewed vigor, overcoming their remaining opponents swiftly. Amidst the debris of war, Sawerigading handed his golden belt to Remang Rilangi. "Deliver this to We Tenriabeng," he requested. "Let her know my yearning for her remains alive." Remang nodded, his eyes glistening. "I shall safeguard your message. She will understand."
Following the intense battles, Lapanan Rang suggested a stop at Wangkang Tanah, the domain of Latirinuwi. There, they found Wrin Nareng, a widow grieving her husband's death. Lapanan Rang proposed that Sawerigading take her as his queen, but the prince declined, his grand quest demanding singular focus. The offer was then extended to Lamaguni, who, with a laugh, agreed. Lamaguni married Wrin Nareng and settled to govern Wangkang Tanah, marking a warm yet meaningful farewell before the fleet resumed its journey.
As they neared Ale Cina, Setia Bonga's rumors had festered into hatred. They painted Ale Luwu's people as primitive and unclean. When Ale Cina returned only half of Sawerigading's precious offerings, his anger flared. "That is not a return; it is theft," Sawerigading declared, his eyes burning red as he gestured angrily. Lapanan Rang advised prudence. "Channel all your fury into your sword, My Lord. First, present yourself as a harbinger of peace."
However, when Sawerigading’s delegation met Setia Bonga and his advisor La Bolong, the antagonists could not restrain themselves. Insults provoked, spears flew, and battle erupted anew. Sawerigading, however, stressed that his aim was not to destroy Ale Cina; his primary goal remained to ask for We Cudai’s hand. His words briefly diffused some of the tension. Then, a new development emerged from the battlefield: a mute oracle with magic abilities revealed that We Cudai was already betrothed, causing Sawerigading to waver.
"What shall we do if she is already engaged?" Lapanan Rang inquired. "We shall arrive as the groom who comes to claim his bride, not to seize her," Sawerigading responded. ""If we must pretend to steal her heart, then we shall do so." Lapanan Rang proposed a scheme. Sawerigading would claim to be We Cudai’s fiancé, a risky charade to get a reaction." When Setia Bonga's ship challenged them again, Lapanan Rang acted as Sawerigading's envoy. A tense dialogue unfolded on the deck, emotions escalated, leading to a minor skirmish that Sawerigading insisted be handled without killing Setia Bonga’s leader. He firmly stated, "Capture him alive. I refuse to sow hatred that will lead to prolonged war."
Setia Bonga, humiliated, eventually retreated, but vengeance gnawed at his heart. His slanderous tales spread faster than wildfire. In Ale Cina, this poison caused We Cudai to reject Sawerigading’s proposal, prompting her to seclude herself and refuse any meeting. When Sawerigading and his entourage finally arrived in Ale Cina, they were met with disdain: arrogant fishermen and unwelcoming citizens. Deeply insulted, Sawerigading prayed to Patoe, summoning a devastating storm. Lightning struck, and fire consumed several homes. Panic spread quickly, but Sawerigading at once halted his prayer when Lapanan Rang pleaded with him not to compromise the sacred purpose of their journey.
Amidst the chaos, a fisherman bowed humbly before them. "This land is divided: West Cina is ruled by Las Tumpugi, East Cina by We Tenriabeng. They are united by marriage, but the hearts of their people are split." This crucial information opened a new path. Sawerigading restrained his forces, once again demonstrating that his objective was not conquest. He asked that We Cudai see him not through the whispers of others. Lapanan Rang and Lamaguni executed a clever tactic. They disguised themselves as servants. They gathered intelligence and observed We Cudai from afar. Through this disguise, Sawerigading finally witnessed We Cudai up close: a beauty rivaling We Tenriabeng, yet with a heart closely guarded.