Under a bright blue sky, the company gathered at Ale Cina harbor. "Prepare everything carefully! This journey is crucial," La Togeq Langi' declared, his enthusiasm infectious. The elder king offered a solemn warning: "Do not imagine everything will go smoothly. Mutual respect is our key." La Galigo felt the weight of duty.
After farewells, the ship sailed. Yet, the journey was not smooth; arguments soon erupted. "You people from Luwu know nothing of sailing!" sneered a crewman from Ale Cina. Shouts of anger followed, and the deck became a place of bitter division.
La Galigo stepped into the midst of the brawling crew, his voice calm yet firm. "We are here for one purpose, not to quarrel! Remember, we are one team." His firm tone cut through the noise, reminding everyone of the dangers ahead.
Days later, they reached Siwa. La Galigo, disguised, whispered, "Do not speak our true names; we must be cautious." Fishermen wore mourning clothes, puzzling him. "What happened in Ale Luwu?" he asked. "The kingdom lost the elder king," the fisherman finished. La Galigo's heart sank, but he kept his composure. He journeyed to Takabur, the news heavy. Despite his disguise, people recognized him. "He is the elder king's son! He brings hope!" they whispered. They hailed him, seeing in his determined eyes a promise of destiny.
La Galigo pressed on, seeking healing equipment. He met local leaders, clarifying his purpose. "I come not for power, but to restore what was lost," he explained. His sincerity secured their aid.
With his task complete, the ship returned to Ale Luwu. On shore, two nobles, The Steward among them, watched with eager excitement. "The ship returns!" The Steward exclaimed. "It brings new hope, a new era!" They prepared a grand welcome, convinced salvation was at hand.
As the ship neared, tension tightened in La Galigo's stomach. He turned to Lapangan Terang. "Their hope is immense," he murmured, "but so are the problems. We must be cautious." Lapangan Terang nodded, understanding the gravity.
The gangplank lowered. La Galigo, no longer disguised, led his group ashore. Familiar faces emerged, their expressions a mix of relief and unspoken questions. The air was thick with expectation, yet unease rippled.
La Galigo stepped forward. "You mourn the elder king," he stated. "But he lives! If you doubt, let us settle this as our ancestors did. I challenge you to a cockfight!" He paused. "Let the roosters reveal the truth, and the honor of our names."
A noble scoffed, his face skeptical. "A cockfight? To prove a king's return? Madness! You are young, full of tales. Your claims are baseless, an insult to our grief!"
La Galigo's eyes narrowed, fixed on the noble. "Then you doubt me," he declared, his voice dangerously calm. "If you deny the hope I bring, then prepare yourselves. You shall face the challenge of battle!"
A collective gasp. Nobles exchanged stunned glances, arrogance replaced by fear. The air crackled with unspoken threats. All parties braced, honor and name hanging uncertainly, as confrontation loomed.