The Dinner

Rangga sat on the brown leather sofa in the futuristic, white-walled room. 

For a moment, he pondered the peculiar choice of furniture. 

Despite its oddity, the sofa was undeniably comfortable. 

Across from him, Tommy sat on a short couch, his back to his imposing desk. 

Between them, a small table held two steaming cups of tea, their fragrant steam curling lazily into the air.

Tommy began the conversation with a warm, reassuring tone. "How are you settling in, Rangga? Is there anything you need or feel uncomfortable with?"

Rangga, ever polite, responded with a respectful tone. "Everything has been great so far, sir. The facilities are excellent. I'm still adjusting to all the changes, but I feel comfortable."

Tommy's face relaxed with relief. "I'm glad to hear that. Now, let's discuss what you'll be facing during your training at the Ranger Training Center."

Rangga leaned in slightly, his full attention on Tommy as he outlined the details of the training program.

"Training to become a Dome Ranger isn't like traditional education. There's no set duration. 

Cadets complete their training by earning 500 credit points, which is the threshold to become a full-fledged Dome Ranger."

Tommy took a sip of his tea before continuing. "There are four main classes, each aligned with a specific division: Frontliner, Special Forces, Support, and Analyst."

He paused to let Rangga absorb this information before elaborating further.

"Frontliners are the backbone of the Dome Rangers. In a nine-person formation, four are Frontliners. 

They're responsible for enforcing rules and regulations. 

This role requires high-level teamwork, accurate assessments, and strong leadership skills."

Rangga nodded.

"Special Forces," Tommy went on, "are for Rangers with unique abilities—stealth, high speed, and extensive knowledge of enemy weaknesses. 

Two Special Forces members usually operate quietly, not engaging directly in battle."

"Support Rangers have unique skills with special equipment for healing and shielding the team. 

High stamina and resilience are crucial. Typically, two Support Rangers are positioned behind the Frontliners, using their specialized suits and tools to provide healing energy and shields."

"Finally," Tommy said, "the Analyst division. Analysts participate in battles but also monitor and assess the environment. 

They must have extensive knowledge of battlefields, providing critical data and information to ensure the team's success. 

In a nine-person team, there's usually one Analyst, situated among the Frontliners. 

They're not required to have strong combat abilities, but they're responsible for all data and information needs, as well as team administration."

Tommy's explanation was thorough.

"During training, you're free to follow the schedule at the training center. 

Credit points are awarded for completing missions announced on the divisional web portals. 

These missions could be practical tasks or written tests, depending on the division's needs."

Tommy paused, his gaze piercing. 

"I'm telling you all this not because you can't find out on your own, but because I want you to know that you have someone to guide you through this new life."

Rangga felt a hint of gratitude but remained cautious. "I understand sir."

Then Tommy continued, "It's been a decade since we've had a direct survivor from a Dome. 

I understand it won't be easy for you to adapt and socialize, especially when all other cadets are descendants of Rangers, trained from a young age."

Rangga nodded, understanding the gravity of Tommy's words. As their conversation continued, Tommy scrutinized Rangga closely. 

His suspicions, born from Rangga's presence at multiple strange incidents, remained unaddressed. 

He had even assigned subordinates to shadow Rangga, but their reports showed nothing unusual—just a cadet sticking to routine, exercising, and staying in his apartment.

Despite the unremarkable findings, Tommy's instincts, honed over years as a veteran Dome Ranger, told him something was being concealed by the young man in front of him. 

He tried probing deeper, asking about Rangga's life and experiences, subtly trying to elicit more information.

However, Rangga, aware of Tommy's suspicions, skillfully navigated the conversation. 

With Sora's assistance, he analyzed Tommy's questions and provided responses that minimized suspicion. 

Rangga's reserved nature and his mother's advice to avoid drawing attention helped him maintain a low profile.

As their discussion neared its end, Tommy broached the topic of the physical test incident. 

"About the test with the crimson-fanged wolf. Can you walk me through the fight?"

Rangga's mind raced, but he remained composed. "Miss Song Hae In engaged first, I saw that she needed a little help and I felt it was right to support her."

Tommy listened, searching for any inconsistencies, however he did not found anything. 

Tommy leaned back, his face impassive. Despite his efforts, he had gleaned nothing new. Yet, his veteran instincts whispered that there was more to Rangga than met the eye. 

Around 6:00 PM, Rangga returned to the apartment building. As he walked through the complex, adorned with purple-leaved plants characteristic of the dome's ecosystem, he mulled over his problems. He still hadn't deciphered Mr. Timan's message, and he was grappling with how to survive as a Dome Ranger, far from his initial life goals.

At the apartment entrance, a beautiful woman appeared from across the street, carrying a shopping bag. Song Hae In always looked stunning, even in a simple white sweater and shorts. They locked eyes, but this time the awkwardness and wariness had diminished.

Without exchanging greetings, they both entered the elevator to the fifth floor. The silence was thick, amplifying the faint hum of the elevator's machinery in their heightened senses. When the elevator stopped, Rangga let Hae In exit first, then followed a few steps behind.

Rangga's mind was swirling with unanswered questions, ones that even Sora couldn't solve. So deep in thought, he was startled when Hae In suddenly stopped and turned to face him, her gaze piercing.

Rangga nearly stumbled back but managed to steady himself. They almost collided. Hae In stood silent for a moment, her expression torn as if she wanted to say something but kept hesitating. Rangga broke the silence.

"Umm…is something wrong?"

"No," Hae In replied quickly, almost too quickly.

Then, after a pause, she asked, "Have you had dinner yet?"

Rangga was taken aback, his heart beginning to race. "Mmm…Not yet."

Hae In continued, "Would you like to have dinner with me? Consider it a thank you for your help that day."

Rangga felt a rush of heat from his feet to his head. He tried to control his thoughts but felt himself slipping.

Sora's voice cut in: "Sir, your heart rate and body temperature are abnormal. It is recommended to seek medical attention immediately!"

Rangga snapped back, "I'm fine!"

This was the first time he found himself in such a situation. He had shared meals with Sita many times, but when Hae In asked, he panicked.

This is bad, I need to refuse, he thought.

Hae In kept her gaze on him, analyzing and anticipating his answer.

"So, how about it? We can eat at my place. I'll cook dinner."

Rangga's heart pounded faster. He was panicking but knew he had to respond.

I need to refuse! he commanded his brain.

"Okay," he heard himself say. For the first time, he felt truly human, vulnerable.

Hae In smiled, then turned to unlock her apartment door, glancing back to signal Rangga to follow.

Rangga, feeling like a fool, followed her into unit 502, half his mind lost in a daze.

Inside, Hae In's apartment was cozy, with soft lighting and minimalistic decor. She gestured for Rangga to sit at the small dining table while she began unpacking groceries.

"Make yourself comfortable," she said, her tone warmer than before.

Rangga sat, trying to calm his racing heart. The situation felt surreal. He had been in high-stress scenarios before, but this was different. This was personal.

Hae In moved gracefully around the kitchen, starting to prepare dinner. "I hope you like pasta. It's one of the few things I can make decently."

Rangga managed a smile. "Yeah sure, I'll eat anything."

As Hae In cooked, Rangga's thoughts wandered. He needed to stay composed, but every movement she made drew his attention. He realized he had never really seen this side of her, relaxed and at home.

"So…," Hae In began, breaking the silence. "After our last conversation, I thought it would be rude for me to not even say thank you. That's why at least I treat you to dinner."

"Oh no, please don't mind, I believe anyone would do the same as I did."

"But you could left me there and go to finish the test earlier."

Rangga took a moment to gather his thoughts. "I felt that my abilities should be used to help others. Not to belittle you, but I believe that mid-tier monster shouldn't have been in the test. If I had been in your position, I wouldn't have survived as long as you did."

Hae In nodded, stirring the sauce. "I have to admit, in my mind, I thought that was the end for me. Even though we've been trained since childhood that people like us—those different from ordinary humans—can still get hurt, we have to risk our lives in every battle."

She paused, then continued, "After that incident, I realized I needed allies I could rely on. And I know you have abilities that shouldn't be underestimated."

She turned to face him fully, her expression sincere. "Since we'll be in the same training cohort, why not form an alliance?"

Rangga hesitated. "Are you sure? Won't it be a problem?"

Hae In smiled. "I have no issues with it at all. So, we're friends now, right?"

Rangga nodded. "Yes, of course."

They resumed their meal, the atmosphere more relaxed.

Hae In spoke again. "I noticed you chose a sword and shield. It's a unique approach. Usually, cadets bring weapons they're most skilled with for the test, but rarely a sword and shield. Seeing the results, I'm impressed by your choice."

"Thank you. But I'm not as strong as someone of your caliber."

"On paper, maybe. But I still have a lot to learn in terms of skills and experience."

Hae In's expression softened. "Even though all Dome Rangers have special abilities, it would be great if you could join our guild. But I guess that's not possible. The Garuda Guild won't let go of talent like yours."

"You're too kind, Miss Song Hae In."

"I'm just stating the truth. So, which division are your parents in within the Garuda Guild?"

Rangga hesitated. "Um… I don't understand what you mean."

"Your parents must be Blue Class Dome Rangers, right? They must be in one of the divisions—frontliner or special forces. Am I right?"

Rangga took a deep breath. "Oh, no. My parents aren't Dome Rangers."

Hae In's eyes widened. "What?"

"My father died before I was born, and my mother is an ordinary human."

Hae In's face registered shock. "But how…?"

"I just got this power a couple of weeks ago…", Rangga trying to say it calmly.

"Oh my God… you're a survivor?"

"Uh, yeah... I am."

Hae In covered her mouth, her expression one of profound surprise. The room fell silent, the weight of the revelation hanging in the air.

--end chapter--