Following Magellan’s death in the Philippines, the survivors resumed the expedition’s prime mission: getting to the Moluccas. Reduced to two ships after scuttling the Concepción, the crew struggled with navigation, relying on uncertain charts and coerced pilots to locate the elusive islands. After months of wandering through Southeast Asia, they finally reached the Moluccas in November 1521: despite the enormous losses, the expedition had achieved its central objective, proving there was a westward route to the coveted spices. Anchoring at Tidore, they were warmly received by Sultan Almanzor, whose growing resentment toward the Portuguese favoured an alliance with the Spaniards. They learned of the death of Magellan’s friend Serrão, victim of poisoning amidst local rivalries. Exploiting the instability, they secured treaties with the leaders of several of the Moluccas islands, positioning Spain as a counterweight to Portuguese dominance. In December, the Trinidad and the Victoria were laden with cloves, carrying both fragile diplomatic promises and the expedition’s last hope of profit.