The three chimaeras exited the room, and I followed them. The room's exit led to a hallway that went in both directions, left and right.
I simply followed the three chimaeras' trail. Surprisingly, they walked in front of me rather than behind me, which in my opinion is not the best decision because it offers me an opening to attack, but I won't because, first, I lack information and, second, I have no reason to attack them right now.
We took a left and continued walking down the corridor, which was dark. It was a confined hallway with rather dusty walls surrounding it and no way for outside air to get in, making the hallway much worse. The same could be said for the outside light, as there were no windows or open spaces for the light to shine through.
To be more precise, the hallway can be defined as a subway tunnel. No one likes the dark, lengthy, empty tunnels. The main distinction is that, unlike other subway tunnels, this hallway is rectangular.
There wasn't much conversation, which I think is because they're not very comfortable with me around.
After a bit of strolling down the corridor, we entered a very large area that was plain yet full of goods such as basic furnishings and tools. The space was quite large and crowded with people; no, chimaeras is a more fair description because they were all literary chimaeras!!
This scene was both terrifying and reassuring. I'm glad I didn't assault the three chimaeras because even if I'm stronger than them, this many chimaeras with weapons can easily kill me. No, even if they didn't have any weapons, they would be able to deal with me quickly.
Their number was somewhere around 20-30 chimeras and those were the ones I saw, who know how many more exist that are just not here at this moment. The variety of chimaeras was surely distinctive; they ranged from cat to bird, prey to predator, short to tall, wide to thin. It was a sight to behold.
The idea that these many people are similar to me is quite...bad. It's true that I should feel delighted because I'm no longer alone, but that's not the case because I look nothing like any of them; they're all creatures akin to animals, unlike me. The only thing they and I have in common is that we all awoke in a different, better body.
As we walked down the hall, several people looked at me with expressions I can't quite put into words. Their eyes appeared to be filled with contempt, disappointment, dissatisfaction, and perplexity. I believe I was not fully welcomed here because of my appearance or because I was new. It could even be jealousy, but that is far less likely than the other possibilities.
Kalen finally broke the silence between us and said, "This is where we all gather for meetings or to just have fun, it is also a place where many of us rest or travel through when doing a job. Our main goal is to keep the ones like us alive by providing everyone in this community with food, water and shelter. Many of us are on hunting and gathering duty from both cities and the forest. Our other goal is to keep ourselves hidden from all others in order to remain safe because who knows what will happen to us if they find out about our existence."
Their purpose is understandable; I have always sought to avoid being detected, and I have even killed to do so. In terms of basic necessities, I've always looked for food since it helps me grow stronger.
I'm curious whether or not their needs are being met. I mean, their numbers are certainly sufficient to locate food and water, but they also have a lot of mouths to feed. As I pondered such concerns, Kalen cut me off and stated, "Owlvin here will set you up and assist you settle in this place; we will discuss your role afterwards."
I was kind of startled, who said I wanted to stay here, I mean sure, it would be much easier to stay here but I never told them that I would want to do it. Did they just expect I'd do it, or do they believe I owe them something because they saved my life?
But, since I have nothing to do right now and the bear encounter drained me, I wouldn't mind completing easy jobs for a time. Just taking a break. Or maybe it's my desire that I'll finally fit in with a group, even though I've been so disappointed in the past. You can't blame me for wanting to experience the feeling of belonging even just once in my life.
"Follow me," Owlvin said. To be honest, I believe Owlvin is the most straightforward and kind of them all. The most akin to a sociable human who used to or still does follow the conventions. I then followed him as he instructed.
We arrived in another corridor after a bit of walking and going through numerous doors. It was also rather run down, but it was better than the other hallways because there was light all around. The light bulbs produce artificial light. It's been a long time since I've seen anything like this.
We arrived to a door after about 20 seconds of walking down the corridor, and Owlvin remarked, "You'll have to remain in this room for a while, it's temporary for now because we don't really have other rooms, but I think it'll suffice for now."
The accommodation was shabby and extremely small, but this was to be anticipated. Nonetheless, it was a room, and for some reason, I didn't mind its filthy walls and disgusting floor. It was the fundamentals, but nothing more was required. It was an odd sensation that I did not fell disgusted, but it was unimportant. The room featured a bad-looking bed, and it resembled the chambers used by soldiers in war-torn locations in movies.
There was a double bunk bed with small, thin mattresses in it. Aside from the bed, there was nothing else in the room. That was it: a double bunk bed in a filthy, cramped room. Whatever the case may be, it is normal for a group that is merely striving to survive to have no more than this.
While I was absorbed in my own thoughts, Owlvin continued, "There is also the location of important places you should be aware of, there is the r..."
Before even a second past, Owlvin was interrupted by another creature that seemed to be a Chameleon-Human chimera. He looked creepy and weird. His height was also no more than 120-130 centimeters. Was he a kid or did he shrink when he got his chameleon body?
The chimera was breathing heavily and sounded panicked while he stated, "the...the sounds we were looking into, they led to...to people. THEY GOT ARCHER!!"