The Training

Rangga stepped through the portal, feeling a strange sensation wash over him. When his vision cleared, he found himself standing in an enormous, futuristic chamber. The room stretched out to 50 by 50 meters, with clean, minimalist lines that spoke of advanced technology and precision. The metallic surfaces gleamed under the artificial light, and the air was crisp and sterile, reminiscent of a high-tech military barracks.

In the center of the room was a wide-open training ground, its floor marked with grids and lines that suggested various combat scenarios. Surrounding this central area were several structures, each housing what appeared to be advanced combat training equipment. The design was efficient, with everything placed for maximum utility.

Rangga's eyes wandered over the equipment—targets that adjusted automatically, weapons racks with an array of weaponry, and simulation areas that seemed capable of creating virtual opponents. The place was a combatant's dream, a perfect blend of technology and practicality.

As he moved further into the room, something caught his eye—a sleek, metallic wristband lying on a pedestal. It looked like a high-tech watch, its surface smooth and unmarked by any insignia. Intrigued, Rangga picked it up, feeling the surprisingly lightweight in his hand.

"Sora, what is this?" he asked, holding up the device.

"That, sir, is a storage unit," Sora replied. "It allows the user to store items in a pocket dimension, accessible at any time. It's quite an advanced piece of technology using the four-dimension principle."

Rangga's curiosity grew. He slipped the wristband onto his arm, and it adjusted to fit snugly. A faint glow emanated from it, and he felt a slight vibration as it activated.

"Try storing something," Sora suggested.

Looking around, Rangga saw a small, intricately designed box on a nearby shelf. He picked it up, and with a slight touch on the wristband, the box vanished, absorbed into the wristband's storage space. A holographic interface appeared above the wristband, displaying the box and several other slots for items.

"This is incredible," Rangga murmured, marveling at the technology.

He spent the next few minutes exploring the room, storing various tools, weapons, and artifacts he found. Each item was neatly cataloged in the wristband's interface, ready to be retrieved whenever he needed it.

As he continued his exploration, Rangga couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and excitement. This room, with its advanced equipment and hidden treasures, was a stark contrast to the bleakness of the mining camp.

While examining the training ground, Sora alerted Rangga to a hidden panel on one of the walls. Intrigued, Rangga approached the panel and pressed it. With a faint hum, the panel slid open, revealing a complex interface. Moments later, a holographic android materialized in the center of the arena, its entire form a gleaming gold silhouette illuminated by a blue light running along its edges.

The android stood silently, its presence commanding yet oddly comforting. It did not speak or make any sound. Instead, lines of alien text began to scroll across the panel. Sora's voice broke the silence, translating the information.

"This android can demonstrate various combat techniques," Sora explained. "It appears to function as a combat trainer."

Rangga's mind raced with a sense of responsibility and foresight. Here was an opportunity to prepare himself for the challenges ahead, to equip himself with skills that could potentially save his life and those around him. "I want to learn dagger combat," he declared, his voice filled with resolve.

The panel lit up in response, and the android assumed a combat stance. Another hologram appeared, representing a target opponent. The training was about to begin.

The android moved with a fluid grace, raising a virtual dagger in a reverse grip. It stood in a balanced, low stance, knees slightly bent and feet shoulder-width apart. The dagger was held close to its body, ready for swift deployment.

"Observe closely," Sora instructed. "I will guide you through each movement."

Rangga watched intently as the android initiated the forward thrust. It stepped forward with its leading foot, closing the distance to its opponent in a single, smooth motion. With explosive speed, the android extended its arm and spun, the dagger slicing toward the opponent's midsection, aiming precisely at vital points like the liver or solar plexus.

"Quickly close the distance with your opponent," Sora translated, "and deliver a precise, powerful slice to incapacitate them."

Rangga tried to mimic the movement, but his lack of experience showed. The android, sensing the opponent's reaction, seamlessly transitioned into the next phase. Using the momentum from the initial thrust, it pivoted on the ball of its leading foot, initiating a rapid spin. The non-dominant arm extended outward for balance, creating a strikingly fluid motion.

"Use the momentum to pivot and spin," Sora instructed, "maintaining balance with your extended arm."

As the android reached the peak of its spin, it brought the dagger across the opponent's body in a horizontal arc. The slicing motion was aimed at the neck or upper chest, utilizing the centrifugal force generated by the spin to enhance the power and speed of the cut. The blade glinted under the light, adding a dramatic flair to the movement.

"The spin enhances the power of your slice," Sora explained. "Aim for vital areas to maximize impact."

Rangga attempted to follow the sequence, but his movements were clumsy and uncoordinated. Frustration began to build, but Sora's calm guidance helped him focus. The android completed the spin, transitioning smoothly back into a defensive stance, ready for any subsequent attacks. The opponent hologram, overwhelmed by the fluid combination of moves, was left vulnerable and incapacitated.

"Remember," Sora said gently, "this sequence must flow as one continuous motion. Each move transitions seamlessly into the next. Focus on fluidity, precision, power, speed, balance, and grace."

Rangga took a deep breath, absorbing the detailed breakdown of the technique. He practiced the movements again, this time paying closer attention to each aspect. The initial forward thrust, the pivot, and spin, the slicing motion—each part began to make more sense.

Hours passed, with Rangga practicing the movements repeatedly. Sweat dripped down his face, but he ignored it, driven by a fierce desire to improve. Despite his initial struggles, he started to feel the rhythm of the sequence, the flow of the moves becoming more natural.

"You're making progress, sir," Sora encouraged. "Even the greatest warriors started as novices. Perseverance is key."

Rangga nodded, determination hardening his resolve. He wasn't just learning to fight—he was transforming, pushing himself beyond his limits. In the sterile, futuristic chamber, with only the hum of the hologram and the sound of his breathing, Rangga found a strange sense of peace. He was on a path, fraught with difficulty and uncertainty, but it was a path he was determined to follow.

For five relentless days, Rangga had been confined to the training room, performing the same movements over and over. His routine was strict and unwavering: train, eat, rest, and repeat. The room, a sterile white space with padded walls and floors, echoed with the sound of his efforts. Despite the monotony, Rangga's new body made each session profoundly effective. His muscles, honed to near perfection, responded with precision to every command from his mind, allowing him to master the dagger techniques at an astonishing pace.

Every slice, thrust, and parry he executed seemed to carve itself into his muscle memory, becoming more fluid and instinctive with each repetition. Sweat dripped from his brow, but his breaths were steady, his focus unwavering. The dagger, an extension of his will, danced in his hands, its blade gleaming under the artificial lights of the training room.

Rangga has also gotten used to Sora as his virtual assistant, "Your reaction time has improved by 15% since yesterday," she reported, her voice calm and precise. "Strength output has increased by 10%, and your stamina levels are now 20% higher than the initial baseline."

Rangga nodded, appreciating the feedback but keeping his focus on his training. The data Sora provided wasn't just numbers; it was a reflection of his progress, a testament to his determination and resilience. Sora's role extended beyond mere analysis. She offered strategic advice, adjusting his routines to optimize his performance.

"Remember to shift your weight during the upward slash," she advised. "It will give you more power and control."

Rangga followed her guidance, feeling the subtle difference it made. He was not alone in this journey; Sora's presence was a constant source of support, her insights invaluable. Together, they formed a perfect symbiosis of human potential and advanced technology.

During breaks, Rangga would sit against the padded wall, breathing deeply, his mind replaying the movements he had practiced. Meals were brief but nutritious, designed to replenish his energy without weighing him down. Sleep came in short but restful bursts, his enhanced physiology requiring less time to recover.

As the fifth day drew to a close, Rangga stood in the center of the training room, his chest rising and falling steadily. The dagger in his hand felt like a natural part of him now, an extension of his very being. His mind was clear, his body attuned to the weapon and the techniques he had spent hours perfecting.

"Your progress is remarkable, sir. You've mastered the basics faster than anticipated."

Rangga smiled back, a sense of accomplishment washing over him.

"Thanks, Sora. I couldn't have done it without your help."

"We still have much to do, but you're on the right path. Let's continue pushing forward."

Rangga felt a sense of satisfaction wash over him. After days of relentless training, he had mastered the fighting techniques he had been taught. The memory of Sita waiting to take him to Jakarta resurfaced in his mind.

"Sora, I think it's time we leave the training room."

"Understood, sir."

With a final glance around the training room, Rangga felt a mixture of pride and anticipation. He had come a long way, but the real journey was only beginning.

As Rangga stepped through the dimensional door that connected the training room to the outside world, a wave of disorientation hit him. The familiar environment of the alien ship greeted him, but something felt off.

Sora's voice interrupted his thoughts, her tone indicating an urgent discovery.

"Sir, I've detected a temporal anomaly. Although we've spent five days in the training room, only five hours have passed on Earth."

Rangga stopped in his tracks, his mind racing to comprehend what Sora had just revealed. The implications of such advanced technology were staggering.

"So, the ship's technology can manipulate time and space that drastically? That's incredible."

"Indeed. The ship's temporal and spatial manipulation capabilities far surpass any human technology." Sora replied.

Rangga marveled at the realization, a newfound respect for the alien technology growing within him. The brief moment of awe quickly transformed into determination. He knew he had to move forward, to understand more, and to embrace the responsibilities that lay ahead.

"Alright, let's not keep my new manager waiting any longer. We have a lot to do."

With renewed resolve, Rangga exited the alien ship, the weight of his newfound knowledge pressing down on him yet simultaneously lifting him with a sense of purpose. The world outside awaited, and with Sita by his side, he felt ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

--end chapter--