Series Name: The Hidden Dungeon Only I Can Enter~
Ore Dake Haireru Kakushi Danjon
Story Title: PG-Rated Version of The Hidden Dungeon Only I Can Enter OVA Series
Chapter 1: Family Visit
Author: Sacredstar Mentor
Editor: zigzigdoublezee
Creator of the Cover Art: HibariTheCollector
Disclaimer: I do not own The Hidden Dungeon Only I Can Enter series. I also like to notify you all that I got permission to use the cover art of this story from HibariTheCollector.
You can check out his account by going to the Deviantart website or on this fanfiction website.
zigzigdoublezee is the editor who helped me with this story. You can find him by typing his account name into the search bar. On the Deviantart website.
Give him some credit and appreciation. He is also a pretty good story writer and editor too. He might even help you out with your own stories too. If you ask him.
As for finding HibariTheCollector. First, you have to type down the words HibariTheCollector. On the search bar on the home screen of Deviantart.
Lastly, you might need to scroll down a little to find his account.
If any of you having trouble finding HibariTheCollector on Deviantart.
Then please notify me on my PM or Review. So while you're reading my story.
Be sure to check out his account and artwork. Thank you and enjoy.
After freeing the super top-tier, first-class adventurer, Olivia Servant from the Death Chains, I decided to invite her over for dinner at my place.
"Mother, father, I'm home!"
I called as I opened the front door, Olivia striding barefoot behind me.
My parents were eagerly awaiting us in the dining room. Father quickly closed the distance and dropped down on one knee, shaking Master's hand enthusiastically.
"Welcome to our humble abode, Lady Olivia. Our son has told us so much about you." Behind him, Mother chuckled in amusement. Father does have a habit of being overdramatic.
"It's a pleasure to meet you both, Mr. and Mrs. Stardia." Master Olivia greeted them warmly.
"I can definitely see where Noir gets his good looks from."
Even though just today I had defeated the Death Chains, it still seemed like the first time I'd seen her brilliant, shimmering eyes.
The newest addition to the Stardia family, an enormous Black Lion large enough to ride on, slowly approaching Olivia.
"It's very nice to meet you, Olivia Servant. My name is Tigerson."
Master startled for a moment, eyes widening in surprise. It took her less than a second to compose herself.
"Ah, yes. Noir told me so much about you, Tigerbun. It's a pleasure to finally meet you! I didn't know there was someone else trapped in the Hidden Dungeon too!"
"Indeed I was," Tigerson replied. "Although please refer to me as Tigerson please."
He told Master about how he and his Elven friend, Vashelle, had arrived at the Hidden Dungeon. Vashelle told him to wait on the Fifth Floor while he went ahead to deal with any hidden traps, but he never returned.
Three hundred and fifty years later, I met Tigerson and he asked me to help him look for Vashelle. I found him, but Vashelle had been turned into a Zombie. After I turned him back to normal, Vashelle was overjoyed to be reunited with Tigerson.
Unfortunately, he had to return to his home shortly after. Outsiders were strictly forbidden; Tigerson could not go with him.
Seeing Tigerson so sad about parting ways with his friend. Has prompted me to make one decision.
I befriended Tigerson and invited him home, and we've been together ever since.
Sometime later, my family opened our very own store, Stardian Rarities.
Tigerson began working there, greeting customers, guarding the store, and entertaining the children.
"Apparently, Black Lions are an unusual sight in these lands," Tigerson continued, as Master took in every word he said.
Talking one on one even more so. Then I asked them both a question.
"Wait, a second, does that mean Tigerson and Vashelle were the first ones to enter the Hidden Dungeon?" I said, out aloud. "No, Noir," clarified Tigerson.
"Olivia Servant arrived at the Hidden Dungeon two hundred years ago. Vashelle and I came one hundred and fifty years before she did."
Long before. It then occurred to me that there could be many more people who are still trapped inside the Hidden Dungeon, but that's a theory for another day.
Overall, the introductions went smoothly. That is until my little sister, Alice showed up.
"So, let me get this straight Olivia," Alice eyed Master suspiciously, her posture defiant. "We've been told that you've been trapped for over 200 years, but you don't look old and wrinkly. Wha…Who are you, exactly?"
Olivia took no offense to Alice's rude questions and let out a loud, guffawing laugh for everyone to hear.
"I'm just a normal human being. It was the Death Chains that kept me alive all this time. I might've stayed trapped there for all eternity."
She looked directly at me. "Until Noir here showed up." Then, Olivia clasped her hands together whilst gushing.
"Your big brother was the best thing that's ever happened to me!"
"That's right!" Alice hardened her glare. "Noir is an amazing person." She jabbed a thumb at herself for emphasis.
"And if I ever find a hair out of place, you'll be answering to me!"
"No offense, Noir," Olivia leaned towards me, using a hand as if to deflect her hushed voice away from Alice. "But I think your sister's got some issues. She's giving me the stink eye."
I couldn't help but let a sheepish smile escape my lips. See my Master's facial expression like that. Filled my heart with joy.
Oh, Master.
"It's all right," I replied. "With the Death Chains out of the way, business at the family shop is going strong, and my second semester around the corner, I think I got time to work something out." The sharp sound of a pair of hands clapping together ended our little conversation.
We directed our attention over to Mother.
"I'm sure we'll have plenty of time to catch up over dinner." Alice and I have whipped up a delightful spread just for the occasion.
"Oh, right!" Alice instantly forgot about her beef with Master and pivoted around before sprinting off into the kitchen.
"I'll go set the table!"
Tonight's dinner was fit for a royal banquet. Seafood fried rice, pheasant meat bowl, persimmon soup, french fries, tea, water, warm milk, and my contribution of golden slime jelly being used as hummus.
Olivia whispered into my ear. "Psst, Noir, have you told them that this jelly we're having is actually made of golden slimes?"
Golden slimes were rather common Monsters I'd encountered early on in my adventures within the Hidden Dungeon.
They're fairly weak low-level Monsters, and surprisingly delectable!
"Nope," I hissed back, feeling the sour of worry within my chest. I feel a little bad about not telling my family. That the golden jelly came from a dead golden slime monster.
"I'd rather spare them the truth for now. Slime jelly is now their number-one favorite treat. They even spread it on their sandwiches. I'm pretty sure they'd flip out if they found out that they've actually been eating a Monster all this time."
She nodded, approvingly. "The fewer people who know about the Hidden Dungeon, the better. If word spreads, it's only a matter of time before we've got trouble on our hands."
My blood ran cold because of what, Master said. She was right. Imaginations of vicious thieves running riot through the Hidden Dungeon, looting and pillaging whatever they could find, flashed through my mind.
She was right. Imaginations of vicious thieves running riot through the Hidden Dungeon, looting and pillaging whatever they could find, flashed through my mind.
I gave it a few seconds of thought, then replied, "I think we need to take the initiative and secure the Hidden Dungeon as soon as we can. You know, setting up farms and ore mines on some of the floors. We can use those as rest stops to resupply as we near the final level. Once we clear out any and all dangers within the Hidden Dungeon, we can turn it into a tourist attraction and charge admission for whoever wants to go in."
Olivia curled her finger around her chin, humming as she contemplated my proposal.
"I like your idea, Noir. You are a bit of a coward, but you're a smart coward." Her tone then turned from slightly teasing to serious. "Although I'm not too sure about that last part."
"How come?" I cocked my head to one side, raising an eyebrow. "It's the lord in charge of this land that worries me," Olivia explained.
"I'll bet that he'd want to claim the Hidden Dungeon for himself, as would so many other unscrupulous nobles. We need to protect the Hidden Dungeon from anyone like them."
"Whoa," I breathed. "I guess I didn't think that far." My family, the Stardias, are Baronets. While it is true that we're technically nobility, we're also at the very bottom of the pecking order.
The other nobles further up the ladder don't really like us and think we're no better than commoners.
Before meeting Master Olivia, I lost my librarian job to another noble before I could even start my first day.
There were a lot of sufficiently powerful people who could demand that we hand over the Hidden Dungeon, and we'd be powerless to stop them.
We…no...I cannot let that happen!
"Don't sweat it, Noir." Master laughed, waving her hand as if to dispel any tension and worry in the air. "That's why I'm here. What's a Master for?"
Even though I knew Olivia worded it as a joke (like how she usually does for most of what she says), I found it sweet to know that she'd always have my back.
"Thank you, Master." I smiled gratefully.
"But seriously, though." Olivia clapped me on the back between the scapula, making me almost choke on my food.
"Keep those lips of yours zipped about the Hidden Dungeon. Or else everything you've worked so hard to get…will be gone."
"Understood, Master, you have my word." I sputtered. "I will guard the secret of the Hidden Dungeon with my life."
"Awww, I love it when you're so obedient," Olivia teased, patting me on the head as if I were a four-year-old.
"And very mature, too, my favorite apprentice. You must've been an angel growing up." Things quickly took an awkward turn when Mother decided to join in the conversation.
"Oh, you should've seen our kids growing up. Noir was such a silly goofball during his younger years. Alice even more so, I tell you, those two were a pair of adorable little rascals. Always getting into all kinds of mischief. Where one goes, the other is never far away. If you want Olivia, I can show you the Stardia family photo album book. After we finish dinner."
"No, Mother, I'm begging you!" I flopped onto my chest, lying on an empty part of the table. I begged her not to show the embarrassing moments of my childhood.
"Please don't!" I clasped both hands together, interlocking my fingers and waving them back and forth, pleading for mercy.
"I won't survive the embarrassment!"
Alice cried out in protest, her utensils clattering metallically on the table. "I agree with big brother! Can't we just switch topics, please? I don't wanna lose my appetite!"
I turned to Father for aid. "Father, please say something. You're our only hope!"
"Please dear, let not ruin the night for the children. How about we look at the family tree book instead." Father suggested, hoping that it'll be at least an acceptable compromise.
"Oh, very well, honey," Mother sighed.
"I wouldn't want to mess up Noir's special night." With dinner finally, out of the way, Mother gathered everyone in the living room to show us our family tree book with the Stardia family crest on it.
"This is the Stardia family tree. It has pictures, portraits, and names of every ancestor in our lineage. Along with my side and your father's side of the family."
Everyone sat on the living room couch and studied the book, multiple pairs of eyes scanning through pictures and various descriptive texts of our ancestors.
"Wow, incredible!" Alice breathed.
"Hey, Noir, this one looks exactly like you," Alice pointed at a page. She grabbed the book and practically shoved it in my face.
He looked very much like me, his face shaped in pretty much the same way as mine.
But his hair was black, topped by a slim forelock that stood out and straight up. A scarlet necklace hung conspicuously around his neck.
"That's a surprise, genes seem to run pretty strong in our family," I mused while scratching the back of my head.
Also, I felt a tad embarrassed at being praised for my good looks.
"It says here that he was a D-Rank Adventurer, 16 years old. He saved a little girl from an Iron Goblin." I narrated. Yikes, that sounds like a really mean, nasty creature. I wouldn't want to run into an Iron Goblin in a dark alley.
Olivia yanked the book out of Alice's hands, her face lit up in surprise as her eyes flicked from left to right, totally focused. Tears started welling up in Master's eyes.
I know that face anywhere, she gasped. Ever since that night, I still think about him.
Her sudden reaction did not go unnoticed by us. "Master, are you okay?" I asked, slowly and carefully. "I don't mean to be rude, but do you know this guy?"
This was perhaps the first time I've ever seen Master so emotional.
My ancestor, whoever he was, must've been really important to her somehow.
Then Mother silently handed Olivia a tissue to wipe away her tears. "Let it all out," she told her softly. "Take your time." Olivia finally collected herself.
"Oh, thanks. You see, he was someone I met 200 years ago. Believe it or not, he wished to become my apprentice to fulfill a promise he made to his late childhood friend. He wanted to become the strongest adventurer the world had ever seen. Every day without fail, from morning till night, he kept pestering me to accept him as my student. Although I never really did so, I did give him loads of advice."
"By becoming the world's strongest and best adventurer, he began to follow me around and ask me to become his master every day. Although I never accepted him as my pupil, I only gave him lots of advice on adventuring and monster weaknesses. Like how to kill an Iron Goblin."
At that point, Master's voice went from fondly reminiscing to sounding like she'd tasted the bitterness of ash in her mouth.
"One day, I was told that thanks to my advice, he managed to save that girl from an Iron Goblin."
Master grimaced as an icicle of guilt, twisted in her gut. "He didn't make it."
After recounting my ancestor's untimely fate, a sad yet satisfied look appeared on Olivia's face. I swapped knowing looks with Mother, Father, Alice, and Tigerson.
My ancestor wanted to be Master's apprentice, but she lost him too soon.
I guess I deserved it, huh? Olivia thought aloud. Trapped for 200 years.
She looked at me with eyes that seemed like they were grabbing onto me, as though I'd disappear completely if they didn't.
"Noir, the real reason why I became your Master and gave you my skills and wisdom. Was because you looked so much like him. I did it all for you as much as I did it for me. I can't change my past. I wanted you to grow slowly so that, when the time to say goodbye finally comes, I can forever be your Master."
I inhaled sharply.
"Master. Ever since we first met, I've always looked forward to seeing you again. That alone brings me joy in ways I can't possibly put into words. You helped me become stronger and smarter."
"And you gave me the hope that I can finally be free from my past. You were far stronger and braver than I'd ever thought you'd be." Master clasped my hands between hers, gazing at me warmly and fondly.
"I'm very proud of you, Noir Stardia."
For those few moments, I stood rooted to the ground, speechless from shock.
Honestly, I didn't know whether I was more stunned by the revelation or if I was touched to hear Olivia's praise. I didn't become her first apprentice out of sheer dumb luck.
It turned out that I was practically the spitting image of my ancestor.
That same one who'd asked to be her apprentice and never once let go of his dreams. That same one who placed himself directly in harm's way for someone else.
He's a lot like me in many ways, for I would've done the same if I were in his shoes.
I guess that I was destined to be the apprentice of the great Olivia Servant. After she fully reconciled with her past, Master had an important announcement to make.
"As a gratitude for your family's wonderful hospitality and being freed from the Death Chains. I will [Bestow] upon each of you one skill of your choosing."
She turned her head towards the black lion. "Don't worry, I didn't forget about you, Tigerbun," Olivia said proudly, then began to listen. Tigerson was about to correct Olivia. But he let it side since he was getting a free gift from her.
"Thank you much, Olivia." Father was literally bouncing up and down with pure joy. Like a child in a candy store.
"I'd love to have the [Muscular S] skill, complete with a six-pack, huge muscles, and a handsome face from my adventurer days."
Father then straightened out his shirt and responded. "You should've seen me back then! With my trusty sword, I saved the city and became a Baronet!"
Maybe getting buff will win me some much-needed respect around here. Noir's father thought. Because he lacks respect from his family; with each passing day.
I could practically hear him think of his true desires; judging by the impish look in his eyes. Noir thought.
"I would like to have the [Tulip Shield S] skill." Tigerson requested. My Tulip will no longer be a hindrance for me.
Then Noir's mother responded. "I would love to have the [Gourmet Chef S] skill please."
Mother grinned as she raised her hand, dreaming about all the wonderful and delicious cuisines that she could whip up for us.
I might even win first place in the Royal Capital's upcoming pie contest. I'd be the talk of the city!
Nori's mother thought as she imagined herself receiving the blue ribbon, prize money, and praise from everyone.
In all likelihood, the actual reason Mother wants this skill is that the food she makes tends to be, how should I put this…Abhorrent sometimes that Alice and their father would make up an excuse to skip dinner.
Maybe, with her new skill, she can serve up some snacks using ingredients harvested from the Hidden Dungeon and sell them at the store-Stardian Rarities. That should at least turn a sizable profit.
Last up was Alice. "I want the [Superhuman Strength S] skill." Honestly, I'm pretty much okay with the skills I have now. I don't have much in the way of desires other than being Noir's adorable little sister. Alice thought
Then Alice stared, disappointingly at her scrawny biceps as she flexed her muscles a little. I only desire to protect my big brother, but I need the power. Yes, the power to back it up.
Also, I need the power to protect myself from danger. Because last time time Noir saved me from a few guys that were hassling me at night. Alice thought.
My little sister means well and is a really nice girl, but I've noticed how badly she reacts whenever Emma, Lola, Luna and Leila are around.
Nevertheless, I agree that it's inevitable that Alice will one day find herself in a pickle. I'd say she'd need a new skill.
Master looked to the left and then to the right, surveying us all as she memorized each of our requested skills.
"If nobody has any second thoughts, you may all hold my hand. I shall grant you the skills you want." Olivia said as she reached out. Mother, Father, Alice, and Tigerson all did as Master instructed.
They then reacted in a chorus of surprised gasps as a heat wave of power washed over them like a tsunami.
I don't think they even knew the words to describe what they were feeling.
I couldn't when my Master gave me those skills back then. I still can't, but whatever it was. I'm sure they were all thinking the same thing.
"I used [Bestow] to grant you the skills that you desired," smiled Master. "It's the least I could do. You've all helped look out for Noir when I could not."
"Thank you so much, Olivia Servant." Mother and Alice bowed in unison, expressing their appreciation. "You have our deepest gratitude, Lady Olivia." Father added, following suit.
Tigerson crouched down, lowering his forequarters until his massive chest rested on the floor, and said, "Any friend of Noir is a friend of mine."
Everyone huddled together for a group hug. "No, I should be the one thanking you. All of you." Olivia said, projecting pride in her voice. "You are all my family."
The hour grew long, and soon, everyone went to retire for the night. Master had one final question for the day.
"Hey, Noir, do you mind if I crash with you?"
I jolted a little bit when I realized that Olivia was staring at me with those pleading puppy dog eyes.
"Please, Master," I replied quickly. "You're our guest here." I gestured Olivia to my bedroom door. "You can sleep in my room. I'll crash in the living room with Tigerson."
She politely declined, and that was when Alice overheard us. Alice proposed that Olivia sleep in her room tonight, but Master wasn't keen on the idea.
I believe that, like me, Master could tell that my sister was glaring daggers at her.
Having the two in the same room wouldn't be the best idea.
She refused my offer, saying that she won't do that if I won't stay in the same room. No way that's gonna happen.
Since we didn't have a spare room, I decided that it would be best if Master spent the night in the living room with Tigerson.
"Good night, Noir," yawned Olivia, clad in her purple pajamas. "Good night, Master." I smiled warmly. Then I left the living room and headed upstairs to my room.
Once the door was closed, I dived into my warm and comfortable sheets, falling into the wonderful embrace of slumber.