29 Jaylen Aldridge *

Everyone began entering Hayley's tent, one by one they all managed to fit inside.

Hayley, on the other hand, was a bit shocked by the abrupt appearance of everyone, however, she quickly calmed her nerves and looked at everyone.

"What do you want?" She asked, with a curious tone. This was the first she was put in this situation, although it was foreign to her she knew what needed to be done.

"We want to go to the Adelaide Hills," Alfredo said as he stepped forward.

Hayley scanned Alfredo up and down and didn't find anything suspicious about him, "And why should I allow that?"

"Because we want to see our family," Chloe said.

"Alright, then wait, you should be able to see your family soon enough," Hayley said.

"Wait, do you think everyone can just wait. From my last call with my husband, he told me about how he was saving people, helping your soldiers. But tell me, doesn't that mean that he's at the forefront of dying?" Chloe asked with a harsh tone.

Hayley was a bit shaken by what Chloe said, she stood up and walked towards the group, only leaving a small space between them.

"All you can do is wait since the next time we leave the base is in a could weeks," Hayley clarified.

"Why don't we just allow us to go ourselves?" Jack questioned.

"We can't allow that, we are the military that's supposed to protect everyone," Hayley said while straightening her back, placing her arms at her sides.

"Why don't we prove that we can protect ourselves?" Lachlan asked.

Hayley was surprised at Lachlan's boldness, it seemed even he wanted out.

"Alright, I'll take you to my superior, if you can convince him that everything should be alright," Hayley said while brushing past them and through the door.

Everyone followed suit, not wanting to lag behind her at all.

After following her for a few minutes they came across a large tent, much larger than any of the ones that they passed along the way.

Walking inside they noticed a few people on computers there, at the end of that room was another door, most likely to the commanding officer.

Walking through that door they noticed a man sitting down in front of a computer. He looked fairly old, maybe in his 60s. He had grey-white hair, black eyes and just looked like he's been through a lot. He had a few scars on his face, and some on his hands, no one was sure about the rest of the body since it couldn't be seen.

"Report!" He shouted.

"Yes sir, these individuals would like to leave the base and travel to the Adelaide Hills. They wish to see family that is up there," Chloe explained.

The man stood up, his size surprised the group, he looked to be 7 feet tall.

Lachlan analysed him and felt confident.

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Name: Jaylen Aldridge (Human)

Age: 62 (Adult)

Soul Contracts: 4/5

Compatibility: Dogs (Perfect), Wolfs (Low)

Level: 20

STR: 13(+30), AGI: 11(+41), VIT: 10(+35)

INT: 19(+18), PER: 13(+26), WIL: 13(+14)

Weakness: Foul Smells

Strengths: Accurate nose, strong bite, strong hands, and partial control over ice.

Descript: A unique being that had adapted to being top of the food chain, desperate to keep their status at the top they evolve to get the ability to tame beasts, sacrificing any physical improvements. They also have a hidden stat, WIS, something that humans relied on to stay on top before the evolution.

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Well, to be more accurate he felt confident about beating him. He knew Dylan wouldn't stand a chance against him, this guy had 4 tamed beasts.

However, what caught his attention wasn't the number of tamed beasts he had, but rather one of his strengths, partial control over ice. This meant that one of his beasts had the ability of ice control. Although Lachlan was a bit conflicted by this strength. Sure it was strong, but they were in Australia, it's bare practical here let alone if he were to travel into central Australia.

"Alright then, if you want out then you have to convince me you're strong enough," Jaylen said.

He walked out, everyone followed including Hayley, she wanted to see the strength of her commander.

They walked for a while before finally coming across an open area, but what shocked the group was that there were already people fighting here, or to be more accurate, training.

Seeing that their commander was there everyone was quick to recall their beasts. They all stood straight with their arms to their sides facing Jaylen.

"Everyone clear the fields!" He shouted.

All the soldiers scattered off the fields before lining up to one side, waiting for any orders.

"Well, follow me," Jaylen said as he walked towards the centre of the field.

Dylan and Lachlan quickly followed behind him.

The soldiers on the side were a bit confused as to why two kids were following their commander but decided not to say anything.

Once they reached the centre of the field Jaylen scanned through the crowd of soldiers and pointed at one, "You! Come here!"

The soldiers were a bit shocked by his commander's sudden demands and made haste to do it. He quickly jogged over to Jaylen's side and stood straight, waiting for any other orders. The soldier was bold, roughly 6'4 tall and had a bulky physique.

"You will fight these two boys, do not hold back, show them your full strength and make them realise the error in their choices".

"Yes, sir!" Although he didn't know why his commander would order him to fight two kids, judging from his tone it seemed he would have to use his full strength.

While that was happening Lachlan scanned him.

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Name: Jake Smith (Human)

Age: 32 (Adult)

Soul Contracts: 2/5

Compatibility: Reptiles (Perfect)

Level: 21

STR: 18(+43), AGI: 10(+45), VIT: 9(+40)

INT: 12(+21), PER: 16(+21), WIL: 19(+16)

Weakness: None

Strengths: Night vision, strong bite, and flexible body.

Descript: A unique being that had adapted to being top of the food chain, desperate to keep their status at the top they evolve to get the ability to tame beasts, sacrificing any physical improvements. They also have a hidden stat, WIS, something that humans relied on to stay on top before the evolution.

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Seeing the soldiers stats, Lachlan determined this soldier was one of the stronger ones amongst the group.

The soldier turned from his superior and looked towards Dylan and Lachlan, "Come 1 and 2!"

A bright light emitted from both arms, Lachlan determined that's where his tattoos are.

Two snakes stood before them, one of entirely green, and roughly 6 metres long. The other one looked like the log, brown with bark-like skin, it was much larger, maybe 20 metres long.

Lachlan scanned them and was reassured of their victory.

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Name: 1 (Leaf Snake

Age: Adult

Attribute: Earth/Water/Wood

Level: 18

STR: 43(+32), AGI: 42(+35), VIT: 29(+29)

INT: 24(+16), PER: 31(+14), WIL: 34(+9)

Weakness: Losing its fangs

Strengths: Fast speeds, strong poison, and a flexible body.

Description: Being surrounded by lush green vegetation, this snake has evolved to blend into the environment and patiently wait for its prey. As the thick vegetation is hard the slither through this snake has developed a highly flexible body, much more flexible compared to others of its species.

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Name: 2 (Tree Anaconda)

Age: Adult

Attribute: Wood

Level: 18

STR: 52(+32), AGI: 31(+35), VIT: 44(+29)

INT: 28(+16), PER: 38(+14), WIL: 41(+9)

Weakness: None

Strengths: Fast speeds, low poison, and tough/durable body.

Description: This anaconda has adapted to have the raw strength to crush its opponents, and when dealing with weaker enemies it will most likely poison them. Climbing up rough trees, fighting against beasts with dangerous skin, this Anaconda has developed an "impenetrable body".

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Lachlan found it a bit amusing that this soldier decided to name his beasts 1 and 2, most likely wanted things quick to say, decreasing the time needed to summon.