The Jakarta Dome

After exiting the dome, Rangga returned to his cabin, feeling the weight of his new reality settle in. The walls that had once felt like a haven now seemed like the remnants of a life he could no longer return to. He began to pack his clothes and important documents, his movements methodical but heavy with resignation. The cabin, filled with memories of his days as a junior engineer, now served as a silent witness to his impending departure.

As he packed, Rangga couldn't help but reflect on the life he was leaving behind. The camaraderie with his colleagues, the daily routines at the mine—all of it seemed distant now. He had to accept that his future lay not in the familiar confines of the mine but in the uncertain path ahead in Jakarta. Mr. Timan's enigmatic words echoed in his mind, urging him to uncover the mystery that awaited him.

With his bags packed, Rangga took a deep breath and picked up his phone to call Sita. 

"Hey, I'm ready to go to Jakarta." He said, his voice steady despite the turmoil inside him.

The next morning, Sita arrived to pick him up. Rangga was surprised to find that she had arranged for a private jet, not the commercial flight he had expected. As they boarded the sleek aircraft, he couldn't help but marvel at the luxury surrounding him. The cabin was spacious, with plush leather seats and elegant furnishings. It was just the two of them, a stark contrast to the crowded commercial flights he was used to.

"Is this necessary?" Asked, still in awe.

"Yes, You're not just any passenger now. You're a Dome Ranger candidate."

Throughout the flight, Rangga maintained a constant dialogue with Sora, his AI assistant, while conversing with Sita. At first, the dual conversations overwhelmed him, but gradually, he began to adapt, managing the flow of information from both sources.

Sita leaned in, her expression serious.

"When we arrive in Jakarta, the first step is registration and assessment at the Dome Rangers Association. It's located within the Jakarta Dome, which, as you know, is the first dome that appeared on Earth. It's been renovated into a hub for all Dome Rangers' activities and holds significant historical value."

Rangga listened intently, absorbing the information.

"What else is in the Jakarta Dome?"

"There's the Dome Rangers World Association building, the Rangers Training Center, and residential apartments for the Rangers. It's a bustling community dedicated to defending Earth. You'll undergo a power assessment to determine your class. This involves testing your physical strength and combat skills using jade weapons."

"Jade weapons?" Rangga raised an eyebrow.

"Yes, they react uniquely to the energy of awakened individuals. It's a crucial part of determining your potential and assigning you the appropriate class. Once you've completed the test, your strength level will be measured, determining which tier of jade weapon you can use. This assessment is permanent—your initial test results set your lifelong capability."

"For example, cadets start by testing with a green jade weapon. If they succeed, they move on to the blue jade test. If they pass that, they advance to the red jade. As you know, No one has ever been able to use the gold jade, and only one gold jade weapon exists, kept in the Dome Ranger artifact museum."

"If a cadet fails the green jade test, they're classified as a healer. Passing the green jade but failing the blue means they can only use green jade weapons for life, and so on. Your initial test sets your permanent limits."

Rangga listened intently, understanding the gravity of the upcoming assessment. The notion that this single test would determine his abilities for the rest of his life weighed heavily on him, yet it also fueled his resolve to perform at his best.

A moment later, Rangga found himself growing increasingly uncomfortable. The fact that he was alone with Sita, whose beauty seemed almost otherworldly, both in appearance and manner, made him feel out of place. He couldn't help but steal glances at her throughout the journey, marveling at how graceful and composed she was.

Sita noticing his occasional looks, smiled and asked.

"Do you want to say something?"

"Uh, no, I mean... I was just wondering... how does someone as beautiful, smart, and elegant as you become a manager for the Dome Rangers? And why would you want to manage a new cadet like me?"

"I enjoy challenges and want to make a meaningful contribution to society by supporting the Dome Rangers who defend our world."

"A smart and beautiful woman like you could easily be a doctor or have a successful career. But I guess we never know where fate will take us. Just three days ago, I was a junior engineer, a fresh geology graduate just trying to build a normal career. But now…" Rangga's voice trailed off, tinged with a hint of melancholy.

"Now, you have the power to defend Earth and extend the existence of human civilization. You have a noble path."

"Thanks. By the way, what was your major in college?" His try to change the mood.

"International Relations."

"I guess we're around the same age, but I never saw you in International Relations at UGM. Did you go to Universitas Indonesia or other universities?"

"Cambridge."

"Oh... you get your bachelor's in International Relations from Cambridge? That's impressive!"

"Master's degree." She corrected with a smile.

"Ah..." He gaped in embarrassment, then looked away, his face flushed with awkwardness.

Sita continued to smile, her eyes filled with kindness. Rangga felt a mixture of excitement and trepidation as the jet began its descent into Jakarta. The sprawling cityscape came into view, but their destination was unlike any other place on Earth. They were heading to the Dome in South Jakarta, the heart of the Dome Rangers' operations.

As they landed, Sita led Rangga to a sleek, black vehicle waiting on the tarmac. The ride through the city was brief, and soon they arrived at the massive, transparent structure that loomed over the landscape. The Dome, now a symbol of humanity's resilience and adaptability, stood tall and imposing.

"Welcome to the Dome," Sita said as they approached the entrance.

Rangga marveled at the structure. "It's hard to believe this was once overrun with monsters," he remarked.

Sita nodded. "Yes, the first five strongest survivors who emerged from this Dome played a crucial role in clearing it out. They made it habitable and paved the way for others. Over time, as the number of Dome Rangers increased and technology advanced, the Dome was transformed. With special suits powered by jade stone, even ordinary people can enter the Dome now."

Before they entered the Dome, they made a stop at the transit building. Here, Sita needed to change into her special suit to enter the Dome. Rangga watched curiously as she selected a dark gray jumpsuit made from a unique fabric. The suit was sleek and seemed to shimmer slightly under the lights. Embedded in various sections of the suit were green jade stones, glowing faintly with energy.

"This suit called the J-1 suit, enhances the strength of an ordinary human body and helps withstand the different gravitational pressures inside the Dome," Sita explained as she zipped up the suit. "It's essential for anyone who doesn't have awakened powers."

She also donned a black mask, which looked similar to a K95 mask but had tiny jade stones integrated into it. "This mask is powered by jade stones to assist with breathing inside the Dome," she said, her voice slightly muffled by the mask.

Rangga nodded, taking in the details. He was handed a new cadet uniform, a black outfit that signified his new role. Unlike Sita, he didn't need the specialized suit, as his awakened abilities allowed him to adapt naturally to the Dome's conditions. Changing into his new uniform, he felt a sense of transformation and readiness.

As they stood at the entrance to the Dome, Rangga couldn't help but feel a mix of awe and apprehension. The massive structure loomed above them, a constant reminder of the challenges and mysteries that lay ahead.

Inside, the Dome was a marvel of modern engineering and alien technology. Buildings of various sizes and shapes dotted the landscape, serving as headquarters, training centers, and residences for the Dome Rangers. It was a self-sufficient city within a city.

Within the Jakarta Dome's sprawling complex, the Rangers Training Center gleamed – a sleek crescent moon of chrome and glass. Access was granted through shimmering energy fields, leading to a world of polished obsidian floors and panoramic views. Here, the city's hum was a distant echo, replaced by the soft hum of technology and the focused energy of trainees.

Divided into Intel and Fitness wings, the Center catered to both mind and body. In the Intel Wing, trainees honed their minds within translucent learning pods, deciphering secrets displayed on holographic walls. Across the central plaza, the Fitness Wing pulsed with activity. Trainees navigated holographic obstacle courses mimicking bustling streets or treacherous landscapes, their bodies pushed to the limit in advanced environmental chambers. All the while, a state-of-the-art bio-monitoring room monitored their vitals, ensuring their safety as they became the elite Rangers of tomorrow.

This wasn't just a training facility; it was a crucible. Here, under the watchful gaze of the Jakarta Dome, the Rangers weren't just trained, they were forged. The air crackled with an energy that whispered of limitless potential, a testament to the belief that the very best could become even more. This was a breeding ground for legends, a beacon of hope where the future of superhuman protectors took shape.

"These buildings are impressive," Rangga said, taking in the sight.

"They are," Sita agreed. "This place is now the most vital location for humanity. It's a symbol of our strength and determination to survive. However, some technologies, like the portal rooms on the alien ships, remain a mystery. We still refer to them as alien technology because our scientists haven't been able to replicate or fully understand them."

Rangga's eyes widened as they walked past various training grounds and facilities. "So, this is where I'll train?"

"Yes," Sita replied. "This is the training center for all new Dome Rangers. Here, you'll learn to harness your powers, understand our technology, and prepare for the battles ahead."

As they continued through the complex, Rangga felt a sense of awe. The Dome was not just a training center; it was a fortress of hope and strength, a testament to human ingenuity and resilience. It was here that he would embrace his new destiny and become a part of something much larger than himself.

Their journey through the Dome highlighted its dual nature: a place of incredible human achievement and a stark reminder of the alien forces they were up against. With every step, Rangga felt the weight of his new responsibilities, but also the thrill of the unknown challenges ahead.

--end chapter--