The Girl

Sita guided Rangga to the registration area of the Dome Ranger Association building.

As they entered, the grandiose lobby exuded an air of sophistication, with marble floors, ornate chandeliers, and high ceilings that echoed the hushed conversations of new cadets and officials.

The walls were adorned with historical artifacts and holographic displays showcasing the legacy of the Dome Rangers.

"Wait here," Sita said, her voice warm but professional. "I'll handle the paperwork."

Rangga nodded, grateful for her assistance. He watched as she walked away, her elegant form blending seamlessly into the opulent surroundings.

He then found a comfortable spot in the waiting lounge, a plush area designed for the wealthy and influential.

Rich, mahogany coffee tables held delicate arrangements of exotic flowers, and the air was filled with the soft murmur of conversation and the occasional clink of fine china.

As Rangga settled into a velvet-upholstered sofa, he reached for a glass of mineral water from a nearby tray.

The cool liquid offered a momentary distraction from the whirlwind of thoughts racing through his mind.

He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself, when Sita's earlier question echoed in his ears.

"Since we were on the plane, I've noticed that device behind your right ear. What is it?"

Rangga had been caught off guard, panic briefly flashing across his features.

But before he could stammer out a response, Sora's calming voice intervened.

"Tell her it's a new model of TWS (True Wireless Stereo) for listening to music," Sora suggested smoothly.

"It's just the latest TWS," Rangga had managed to say, forcing a casual smile. "Helps me stay calm with some music."

Sita had accepted the explanation with a nod, though a hint of curiosity lingered in her eyes as she walked away.

Now, alone in the luxurious lounge, Rangga couldn't shake the unease.

He fidgeted with the hem of his jacket, his mind racing with possibilities.

What if more people started asking about the Luminar?

"Sora," Rangga whispered, leaning back into the soft cushions.

"What if everyone starts asking about the Luminar? We need a better cover."

"Would you like me to activate its camouflage mode?" Sora asked, her tone reassuring.

"I've integrated a 4D cloaking technology similar to the one in your dimensional storage bracelet."

Rangga's eyes widened in surprise. "You can do that? How?"

"I've been analyzing and copying the technology since we first encountered it," Sora explained, a hint of pride in her voice.

"It's now ready to be applied to the Luminar."

The lounge's tranquility was soon interrupted by the soft hum of the automatic doors sliding open.

Rangga looked up from his thoughts, his eyes catching sight of two women entering the room.

Sora, ever vigilant, immediately identified the language they were speaking as Korean.

The first woman was strikingly beautiful, likely no older than 21.

Her shoulder-length hair was a light brown, framing a flawless, porcelain face.

She wore a white blouse that was both formal and fashionable, exuding an air of effortless elegance.

Behind her, another woman followed, dressed in a J-1 suit—her manager, Rangga deduced.

Rangga's heart skipped a beat.

The manager, much like Sita, was already stepping back, bowing slightly and excusing herself with the deference of a servant before a queen.

The girl nodded ever so slightly, her gaze never drifting toward Rangga, as if he were invisible.

She made her way to a sofa by the window, the sunlight catching the subtle highlights in her hair.

Her movements were graceful, each step a testament to her upbringing and inherent confidence.

As she sat, Rangga felt a wave of intimidation wash over him.

There was an undeniable aura of arrogance about her, an unspoken declaration of her superiority.

Sora, sensing Rangga's curiosity, provided context.

"She's likely a descendant of a Dome Ranger. Their children often inherit abilities, although they manifest gradually.

They're groomed from a young age to join the Dome Rangers, seen as the pinnacle of human potential."

Rangga nodded, piecing together what he knew.

These children, born of the elite, possessed latent powers that would awaken over time.

Once awakened, they would undergo rigorous training, ultimately tested at the Rangers Training Center (RTC).

Their privilege placed them at the top of society, even above the children of the world's wealthiest individuals.

He watched her closely.

Her presence was a stark contrast to Sita's warm professionalism.

Where Sita was approachable and kind, this girl radiated a cold, unyielding strength.

It was clear she was accustomed to being treated with reverence.

Rangga couldn't help but feel a mix of awe and apprehension.

He knew of the immense expectations placed on children like her, they were not just potential Dome Rangers; they were the heirs to a legacy of power and responsibility.

The girl's eyes finally flickered in his direction, a brief, assessing glance before she returned to staring out the window.

Rangga felt a shiver run down his spine.

In that moment, he understood that their paths would inevitably cross, and when they did, it would be as equals in training, but competitors in spirit.

As he sat there, waiting for Sita to return, Rangga couldn't shake the feeling that this encounter marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life.

One filled with formidable rivals, intense training, and the looming shadow of the legacy he was about to step into.

Rangga's thoughts were interrupted by Sora's voice. "Would you like me to make the Luminar invisible now?"

"Yes, please," Rangga replied, grateful for the distraction.

The Luminar's hum was almost inaudible as it activated its cloaking mode.

Rangga touched the spot behind his ear, feeling only his skin.

It was a small comfort, but it was enough.

He took a deep breath, steeling himself for the challenges ahead.

When Sita returned, her paperwork complete, she found Rangga looking more determined than before.

He stood up, ready to follow her, ready to face whatever came next.

"Are you ready?" she asked, her smile encouraging.

Rangga nodded. "Yes. Let's go."

As they walked towards the entrance of the training facility, Rangga couldn't help but glance back at the girl by the window.

She remained aloof, lost in her thoughts. But he knew, deep down, that their destinies were now intertwined.

--end chapter--