The Weapon Tests

The command center was a vast, state-of-the-art room, the heart of the Dome Ranger operations.

At its core stood an immense screen that dominated the entire wall, displaying a live feed of the cadet testing room within the Ranger Association building.

Ten operators, all clad in the distinctive J-1 uniforms, were seated at their stations, fingers dancing over keyboards, eyes focused on their monitors.

Their faces bore expressions of intense concentration, a testament to the gravity of their task.

On the screen, the testing room came into view.

It was an expansive hall with a ceiling that soared four meters high.

At the center of the room stood three pedestals, each holding a weapon with jade stones of varying colors: green, blue, and red.

Back in the command center, Tommy stood on the highest platform, overlooking the preparations.

His sharp eyes monitored every detail, ensuring the process went smoothly.

The door behind him slid open, and a man, dressed impeccably in a suit with a blue tie, entered.

He moved with the quiet confidence of someone used to command.

His hair, meticulously groomed and streaked with the first signs of gray, framed a face that was both handsome and authoritative.

Despite his diplomatic attire, his physique hinted at the strength and agility of a seasoned Dome Ranger.

Tommy turned to greet him, extending a hand. "Alexander, it's good to see you."

They shook hands, a brief smile passing between them before they both returned their gaze to the massive screen.

"What brings the Vice Chairman of the Garuda Guild to a cadet testing, of all things?" Tommy inquired, his tone curious but respectful.

Alexander's eyes never left the screen.

"I heard that today Song Hae-In, the daughter of Song Gi-Cheol, will be testing today. There are rumors she might have the potential to be a Red Class Ranger."

Tommy nodded, accepting the explanation without further comment.

They both turned their full attention back to the screen, where the test was about to begin.

In front of the testing room on the second floor of the Association building, Rangga and Sita waited.

Rangga's heart pounded in his chest, but Sita's presence beside him was a calming influence.

A female officer in a J-1 uniform stepped forward, her voice clear and authoritative. "Mr. Rangga, please follow me."

Rangga glanced at Sita, who smiled with his eyes reassuringly. "You've got this, Rangga. Just do your best."

Encouraged, Rangga followed the officer into the testing room.

The high ceilings and sparse furnishings gave the room an austere, almost reverent atmosphere.

The three pedestals stood in a row, each weapon gleaming under the lights.

The officer gestured towards the first weapon, its jade stone glowing a serene green.

"Begin with the green jade weapon. If it responds to your touch, you may proceed to the next."

Rangga nodded, his throat dry with nerves.

He stepped forward, his hand reaching out to grasp the green jade weapon.

The room seemed to hold its breath.

In the command center, Alexander watched intently, his eyes sharp and analytical.

Tommy glanced at him, noting the keen interest.

The tension in the room was palpable.

Rangga's fingers closed around the hilt of the weapon.

For a moment, nothing happened.

Then, the jade stone began to glow, brighter and brighter, until it was a beacon of green light.

A soft hum filled the room, signaling his success.

Rangga let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding.

He placed the weapon back on its pedestal and moved to the next one, the blue jade weapon.

His heart raced, but a new confidence buoyed him.

Rangga reached for the blue jade weapon, his heart pounding in his chest.

As his fingers closed around the hilt, the stone began to glow, this time a brilliant blue.

The hum grew louder, more insistent, filling the room with a palpable energy.

Rangga's nerves tingled with a mix of excitement and anxiety.

Meanwhile, in the command center, Alexander's eyes widened in shock as the blue jade weapon began to shine.

His expression shifted to one of nervous fear, a stark contrast to his usual composed demeanor.

It was as if he hoped desperately that this would never happen.

Next to him, Tommy's lips curled into a slight smile, seeing the potential in the young man he had discovered just days ago.

Rangga's grip tightened around the hilt of the red jade weapon, his anticipation building.

He waited for the familiar hum, the glow, the surge of energy.

Seconds felt like hours as he stood there, but the weapon remained cold and lifeless in his hands.

A twinge of confusion crossed his mind, quickly followed by a calm acceptance.

"Sir, I detect an anomaly between your body and the weapon," Sora's voice echoed in his mind, cool and analytical.

"It seems there's a blockage in the energy flow, but I cannot yet identify the cause."

Rangga absorbed the information, nodding slightly.

"Maybe my strength is just not enough for the red weapon," he whispered, his voice filled with a mix of resignation and determination.

In the command center, Alexander's relief was evident as the red jade weapon stayed inert.

His earlier fear dissipated, replaced by a calm satisfaction. Tommy, noticing Alexander's reaction, was puzzled.

Why did Alexander seem relieved that the red jade didn't react to Rangga? Tommy surmised it was the arrogance of those with direct lineage.

Over the decades since the Dome's emergence, direct survivors had dwindled, replaced by descendants with strong genes.

By 2120, no original Dome survivors remained; all Dome Rangers were of direct descent, raised with privilege and rigorous training, believing themselves the strongest race on Earth. He is also one of them.

Rangga exited the testing room, greeted by Sita's beaming smile. "Congratulations! A Blue Class Ranger! That's impressive!"

Rangga smiled back, albeit more modestly. "Thanks."

The female officer guiding Rangga through the test approached him with a calm and professional demeanor.

"Mr. Rangga, I want to inform you that the potential test is complete," she said, her voice steady and clear.

"You will now need to wait for the physical test, which is scheduled to take place three days from now. You'll be testing alongside the other cadet candidates."

"You have the option to stay in the temporary accommodations provided here within the Dome, or you can stay outside the Dome if you prefer," the officer continued.

"I'll stay here," he decided. "The accommodations within the Dome sound good."

Sita, standing nearby, offered him a reassuring smile. "I'll be staying at my house outside the Dome."

"But don't worry, Rangga. I'll come back tomorrow to help you prepare for the physical test. We'll make sure you're ready."

In the afternoon Rangga is already in the temporary accommodations within the Dome.

The room Rangga was assigned was surprisingly luxurious, spacious, with sleek, modern furnishings.

A large window overlooked the bustling cityscape of Jakarta, the skyline dominated by the towering Dome itself.

The bed looked incredibly comfortable, and there was a small kitchenette and a private bathroom.

It was more than Rangga had expected, and he felt a pang of relief knowing he had a safe and comfortable place to stay for the next few days.

As the sun set over Jakarta, casting a warm glow over the city, Rangga stood by the window of his temporary accommodation, looking out at the city lights.

He knew the road ahead would be challenging, filled with trials and uncertainties.

--end chapter--