Jason was used to Dungeon Gates leading to Dungeons, Dungeons leading to Boss Doors, and Boss Doors leading to Boss Rooms, so a natural Dungeon was something new to him.
He listened carefully as Camelia explained.
"I haven't entered any Dungeons. In fact, this might be my first time staring at a Dungeon Door." The Catgirl said while scratching her cheek. "My people and I are of the opinion that what was been sealed away should remain sealed away, so going into Dungeons and opening their Doors has never been a thing for us."
"So whatever's inside has been sealed in there."
"Well, yes. The creatures and Doors didn't just appear out of nowhere."
"Hm." Jason rubbed his chin.
"Sigils are placed on the Dungeon Door to keep it locked from the inside. It can, however, be opened from the outside, as you might have guessed it."
"Can it be closed back?"
"Yes," Camelia nodded. "The Sigils aren't destroyed by opening the Dungeon Door. However, they can be destroyed by opening the Boss Door, on which other Sigils, connected to those on the Dungeon Door, are placed. Sometimes, opening the Boss Door will lead to both Seals falling. Sometimes, it's only once the Boss Monster is defeated that the Seals break."
"So I can take a peek inside without fearing that what's inside will leap out."
"As long as you leave and close the door behind you, yes." Camelia pursed her lips. "Though I would advise against that." She pointed at faint marks on the ground, barely visible in front of the Dungeon Door. "Looks like they either left injured and crawling, or that they carried the injured. In any case, it's probably dangerous to go in blind."
"Yes." Jason nodded. "I need information on what's beyond the door, how strong they are. If not, then I, at least, need to know how strong those that Challenged the Dungeon were."
If it was a weaker group, then Jason could enter the Dungeon sooner. If they were stronger than he is, then…
'It could take a while.' Jason sighed and rested his arms around Camelia's waist. 'I'd like to know what's beyond the cliff as well. If it's really the Demon Realm, then it might be worth climbing-'
"You're not thinking about climbing this huge cliff, are you?" Camelia asked, having completely read his mind.
"And if I am?"
"I don't know." She shrugged. "But if we're spotted right away, and if they can attack from afar, then…"
"That would be trouble." Jason sighed.
"It would be." She sighed as well.
"Wait, you said we."
"So?"
"You're saying that you would come with me?" He asked, peeking at her face.
Camelia was blushing quite intensely. Pursing her lips and looking away help hid her red cheeks just a little bit.
"Is that so surprising? I could have ran away, but I decided to stay with you, Jason. I am with you." She turned around and placed her hands on his chest, breasts pressing against his body. "Wherever you want to go, I'll be with you."
"Even if I go on a suicide mission in there?" Jason asked jokingly, tilting his head towards the Dungeon Door.
Camelia followed his gaze, stared at the Dungeon Door for a moment, then turned back towards him.
"Then we die together, I suppose." The Catgirl whispered. "You beat the odds once by becoming the Ogre Chief," She added. "I'm sure you can beat the odds again, especially with my help."
Jason's eyes widened, momentarily surprised by her loyalty and devotion.
There was no doubt in her voice or facial expression. If he decided to go in there, she would jump in right with him.
"I see." Jason whispered before patting Camelia's head.
Being trusted to such a degree was slightly stressful. It made Camelia's well-being all the more his responsibility.
"It leans towards pillow talk, but I guess I have to ask now."
"Ask away." Camelia said with a nod and a slight smile.
"Where were you before you got here? Before the Orcs captured you?"
"I was captured by Humans," Camelia explained. "Then, I was sold to the Orcs. And then, stolen by Vel and the others."
"What about before you were captured by the Humans?" Jason asked, leaving the Human issue for later.
"I was in my village, where I'm from." The Catgirl explained. "Some call it the Feline Haven, others Feles. To me, and the others living there, it's Home."
"Would you like to go back?" Jason asked as he caressed her back with one hand and her arm with another. "Home?"
"Hm…" Camelia rested her forehead against his chest. "It might be more trouble than it's worth."
"What makes you say that? Is it the distance? The Orcs in the way?"
"No… Well, those too. Primarily, it's because I didn't get along with our new Chief."
"Is that so?" Jason chuckled. "Don't tell me it's because he was a guy as well."
The joke was met by deafening silence.
"No way," He raised an eyebrow. "Really?"
"Yeah…" Camelia sighed. "A new group joined us a couple of months ago, and our problems multiplied. I couldn't quite tell why, but I thought they had something to do with it. When one of them rose to be our Chief… Well, I was captured shortly after."
The Catgirl's face became sorrowful. Until,
"Don't want to go back and beat their ass?"
Camelia took a deep breath, sighed, then chuckled.
"You know exactly how to raise my spirit, huh?"
"Yes," He nodded with an arrogant smile. "I guess I am an expert at making you feel good."
"Is that so?" Camelia asked with a cheeky smile as she got on her tippy toes. "Should we test that out?" She whispered in his ear.
While Jason would have liked nothing more than to take her right here and right now, doing so in front of the Dungeon Door was slightly stressful. Plus, there were bloodstains here and there.
'Ignoring the fact that I told everyone to steer clear from the cave. It would be better if no one sees us here.'
Jason leaned forward, kissed her deeply, but pulled back just as she got really into it.
"Maybe in a bit."
"Hmph!"