Hometown

Hae In's eyes widened in disbelief. "I saw the news about the appearance of Dome Sintang, but there was no mention of any survivors."

Rangga nodded, a somber expression on his face. "Yeah... I know. It's been a long time since anyone survived a dome. I was just lucky. Actually, I had a friend, but he wasn't as fortunate." His thoughts drifted to Mr. Timan, a pang of sadness hitting him.

"So, what was your life like before all this?" Hae In asked, curiosity mixed with sympathy in her voice.

"I was a mining researcher, although I had only worked for a year. My life was pretty ordinary, like most people," Rangga replied, a hint of nostalgia creeping into his tone.

Hae In nodded thoughtfully. "I see. And how about you? I've heard that Ranger descendants are trained from a young age. You must have been preparing for moments like this your whole life, to enter training and become a Dome Ranger."

Hae In smiled softly. "Yes, our fate seems predetermined. Although the timing of when our powers emerge varies, we've been trained physically and mentally since childhood. The hardest part for me was the first Dome Mocking Test."

Rangga leaned forward, intrigued. "The first test where you enter a dome?"

"Exactly," Hae In confirmed. "I remember the first time I removed my mask inside the dome. It felt like all the strength in my body evaporated. The pain was indescribable. Even for those of us who are certain of awakening, some still have to try several times before adapting. I can't imagine how it was for you to survive straight away."

Rangga recalled his own experience of falling into the dome but didn't remember the intense pain Hae In described. He brushed off the thought.

"So, now that you know I'm a survivor, you still want to be my ally? I don't have the combat experience that the other cadets have," Rangga said, a hint of uncertainty in his voice.

"Of course," Hae In said confidently. "Hey, I'll teach you everything you need to know about the training and help you become a strong Dome Ranger. Don't worry." She flashed him a reassuring smile.

Rangga couldn't help but smile back, feeling a warmth in his chest. Whether it was her words or her beauty, he felt genuinely happy.

Returning to his room, Rangga's mind was a whirlpool of thoughts. His life seemed to be heading towards an uncertain future, but every time he thought about Mr. Timan's words, he felt a push to keep trying. He believed the old man that something worse was coming.

Since the domes formed, countless lives had been lost. Yet, after 95 years, the domes had become an accepted part of life because the Dome Rangers always managed to handle the threats and protect humanity.

But Rangga felt differently. After seeing the black alien in Dome Sintang, he was convinced this time was different. Mr. Timan's cryptic message about collecting three golds still puzzled him.

Suddenly, Sora's voice broke his thoughts: "Sir, based on analysis, in the 95 years since the domes appeared, only one golden jade has been found. That jade powers the sword of the first Dome Ranger, Rangga Aji. The sword is still in the Ranger Museum in this complex. Could one of the golds Mr. Timan mentioned be this golden jade?"

Rangga sat up, realization dawning on him. Sora might be right. Gold. Golden jade. That could be what Mr. Timan meant. There had only been one golden jade, so Mr. Timan knew of three golden jades that Rangga needed to find. But how did Mr. Timan know this?

Thinking about the black alien, it had to be connected to what Mr. Timan said. Rangga pondered. Every time an alien ship appeared, it created a dome, and only androids and monsters emerged. But he had never seen an alien like the black one. Could the time be approaching when more aliens would arrive? He shivered. It was possible the aliens first sent monsters to reduce the human population, planning to come later. What they didn't account for was the humans who developed powers by adapting to the domes. 

Rangga's mind raced. If it were true, could the number of Dome Rangers handle the next alien invasion? The black alien's combat abilities were on par with a Dome Ranger. This could become a real war.

Sweat beaded on Rangga's forehead as he considered the possibility. If the aliens came in full force, would humanity be able to resist? The thought was chilling.

That night, Rangga couldn't sleep. He lay awake, restless and filled with dread, his thoughts consumed by the looming threat and the mysteries he still needed to unravel.

---

The next morning, Rangga called Sita to discuss his plans. He needed to go back to Jogja to clear his mind and maybe find some answers. As his manager, Sita arranged everything meticulously.

"Hey, I just wondering if I could go back to visit my mom in Jogja for a couple of days?"

"Well, I think there is no problem. You want me to accompany you there?"

"Oh no no… I know you are busy, and I just want to clear my mind in my hometown."

"Oh okay then. Just let me know when you will go and I will try to take care of everything, sounds good?"

"Thanks, I appreciate it," Rangga replied, his voice grateful.

Sita's tone turned slightly teasing. "Just go back on time when you have to enter your training, okay?"

Rangga chuckled. "Sure did."

At noon, Rangga boarded the super-fast train. The sleek, futuristic design of the train and the efficiency of the journey reminded him how much his life had changed. As the train sped through the landscape, he reflected on how becoming a cadet had made everything easier, yet more complicated at the same time.

Arriving in Jogja, a personal driver arranged by Sita was waiting for him. The driver was polite and professional, ensuring Rangga's comfort throughout the ride.

"Welcome to Jogja, Mr. Rangga. I'll be taking you wherever you need to go," the driver said with a courteous smile.

"Thank you. I still not gotten used to this kind of treatment actually." Rangga grined.

The black luxury SUV car navigated through the bustling streets of Jogja, Rangga felt a sense of nostalgia. Despite the advanced technology and the changes he had experienced, the city still held the same charm and warmth that he remembered.

Finally, they arrived at his home on the outskirts of the city. It was a simple, minimalist house, surrounded by greenery. Rangga's heart ached with a mix of happiness and sorrow as he saw the familiar sight.

The driver helped Rangga with his luggage and bid him farewell. "If you need anything, Mr. Rangga, just give me a call. I'm at your service."

Rangga nodded appreciatively. "Thank you, sir."

Entering the house, Rangga found his mother waiting for him. Her face lit up with joy at the sight of her son.

"You're home, son!" she exclaimed, pulling him into a warm embrace.

"Missed you, mom," Rangga said, his voice filled with emotion.

His mother looked him over, smile etched on her face. "Look at you, you look great. What a muscle boy!"

Rangga smiled reassuringly. "Well, this is me now, what do you think?"

"I just want you to be okay and happy actually", his mother hugged him tightly.

They sat down together, and Rangga shared some of his experiences, leaving out the more dangerous details. His mother listened intently, her eyes never leaving his face.

As the evening progressed, Rangga found comfort in the familiarity of home. Despite the uncertainties and the challenges ahead, being with his mother gave him strength.

That night, as he lay in his old bed, Rangga's mind was calmer. The mysteries still loomed, and the threats were real, but for now, he allowed himself a moment of peace. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but tonight, he was just a son, home with his mother.

---end chapter---