"So remember that whenever you're going down to the 10th Floor tomorrow, be extra cautious because you'll find a multitude of larger monsters like I had told you earlier, understand?" I warned the Adventurer who was sitting in front of me as she nodded her head with a smile.

"I got it! Thank you very much, Rhein! I appreciate you taking the time to help me!"

"No worries. I'm simply doing my job as your advisor." I assured her with a nod and then looked over to the clock to check the time.

"Ah, it looks like we've been here for a while now, but I think I've managed to warn you about everything you need to know when going to the 10th Floor. Go on back to your Familia and rest for tomorrow alright?" I asked her to which she nodded before standing up and bowing to me.

"Thank you again, Rhein! I'll see you around!" She exclaimed and then turned to leave the office, leaving me alone to my thoughts.

A brief yawn escaped my lips as I stood up and briefly gave my body a stretch.

It's been three years since I've found myself in this world hasn't it? It's amazing how time can pass when you're busy with work.

If someone asked me…however many years ago it's been…if I thought I was going to end up in a world that was fictional, I would have scoffed and told them that while amusing, such things are impossible. But who would have thought this would actually be my second rodeo of all things? At least this time, I can lead a more peaceful life as a simple and humble advisor.

[3rd POV]

"Oh, hello Rhein. How was your session with your Adventurer?" The Section Leader of the Guild, Rehmer, asked one of his best performing subordinates when he saw the tan skinned young man with silver-ish gray hair and blue eyes, a stoic expression on his face as always when he walked out of the meeting office.

"It went pretty well. She's thankfully one of the more attentive ones of my Adventurers, so I have faith that she'll perform well in the Dungeon tomorrow." Rhein answered with a small smile as he ran his black-gloved hand through his hair and swept it back, fixing any stray locks of hair.

"Anyway, is there anything else that needs to be done here? I haven't eaten lunch today, so I want to get dinner somewhere."

"Ah yes, there is if you can spare a moment." Rehmer said to which Rhein merely raised an eyebrow and nodded his head to show that he was listening. "You see, a God and his Familia from the Far East have recently just moved into Orario and his children are in need of an advisor. Since you've shown to be efficient whenever you work with multiple people at once, would you be willing to accept the role as their advisor?"

Rhein stared at his Section Leader for a moment before opening his mouth to ask some questions.

"The God's name?"

"Takemikazuchi." Rehmer quickly answered, knowing that his subordinate wanted to know everything possible before acting, something he respected about the young adult.

"How many children?"

"Six." That elicited a small frown from Rhein as he seemed to be in his thoughts, a small mutter of 'Six people?' escaping his lips. An understandable reaction since Rehmer is essentially asking him to take on six rookies at once.

"...what Level?"

"All are Level 1." Rehmer answered, and after another brief silence, the gray haired young man nodded his head.

"Very well. I'll be their advisor."

"Thanks Rhein. I really appreciate this. Most of the others were already backed up with the ones they had on hand and if at all possible, we would have liked for this Familia to learn together, and you were the best choice. I owe you one."

"It's no problem at all. It's actually better that they all learn from me so that they can give each other a hand after they settle in whatever will be their home here. Anyway, I'm going to head out now. I'll see you tomorrow Rehmer."

The human turned to leave the Pantheon, with Rehmer watching his back as the former left. The Chienthrope could remember it like it was yesterday when his young co-worker joined them.

(Three years ago)

"Everyone, this is Rhein. He will be your newest co-worker from now on." The Section Leader at that time said to the gathered employees of the Guild, where next to him stood a young man with silver-like gray hair, tan skin, and blue eyes. The way he stood at attention when everyone looked towards him was unnerving to even some of the more veteran employees, especially when his eyes seemed to be peering into their souls from where he stood.

"It's nice to meet you. As the Section Leader has said, my name is Rhein. I hope we get along." He said with a flat tone that shouldn't belong to someone that young as he gave them a bow.

Seeing that no one else was going to step up, Rehmer stepped up and held his hand out to the young man and introduced himself, maintaining his professionalism in spite of the aura that Rhein seemed to exude.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Rhein. My name is Rehmer. If you're ever in need of anything and our Section Leader is unavailable, you are welcome to come to me."

Rhein reached out and took the hand in a firm grip before nodding.

"Rehmer…it's nice to meet you. I'll definitely keep your offer in mind. Thank you."

(Flashback end)

'I'm glad to see that he's opened up since coming here.' Rehmer thought to himself as he reminisced on Rhein's arrival.

At first, it was admittedly hard for the others to bond with him, even their most recent hire at the time before him, Eina Tulle, despite the two being only a few years apart in age. He really wasn't a sociable person in any way whatsoever. But in spite of how he came off to others, he was still very successful at his job. The model of professionalism and diligence as an advisor. As a result, he became highly requested, and considering that he was objectively a handsome young man, he often drew the attention of many female Adventurers.

'I think it was after Eina had heard about the death of her first few Adventurers that he started opening up.'

It was no secret amongst the employees at the Guild that it was always saddening when advisors learned about how their Adventurers who had perished in the Dungeon. Eina and Rhein were no different, but the way they reacted were different. It was clear that despite her admittedly excellent work ethic in helping her Adventurers to prepare, their deaths had hit her hard and she even hit a slump in her work as a result.

On the other hand, Rhein would always merely blink at the most to show his reaction to their deaths before simply nodding and carrying on, permanently stowing away their files before moving on to the next Adventurer to advise. Needless to say, his stoic demeanor even in the face of the deaths of those who he was supposed to prepare did not sit well with Eina.

(Flashback)

"How can you be so callous about their deaths?!" Eina had yelled at him during the Guild's closing hour where only the employees were witnesses to the half-elf yelling at their newest hire.

"If you believe that this is me being callous, you have a lot of growing up to do. You don't see Rose and Rehmer moping about the deaths that they've probably had to witness over the years as advisors do you?" Rhein asked as he pointed a thumb towards the two people in question who couldn't help but wince a bit at being called out.

Sure, they don't openly show much reaction to the deaths of the Adventurers they advised, but it wasn't like they didn't care for them either. But on the other hand, they couldn't help but understand what Eina was referring to. Rhein really did seem uncaring about the fact that Adventurers under his care had perished in the Dungeon, not showing a single reaction whatsoever.

"They probably mourn for the death of their Adventurers as well in private but they would never allow those deaths to affect how they work. Instead, they work harder than before so that their next Adventurers hopefully don't meet the same fate. That's what you should be doing as well, just like what I'm doing so that the people I advise won't die like the last ones." Rhein callously answered, complimenting the two older employees while at the same time berating Eina.

"But don't you even care about the Adventurers that were lost? Every time a report comes in about your Adventurers' deaths, all you do is do that irritating nod and just move on to the next Adventurer! As if those you advised never even existed! Are you so heartless that you won't even-"

"Briar, Grevir, Victoria, Alvin, Mai, Ferne, and Diandra."

And Rhein interrupted her, listing the names of the seven Adventurers who he had advised over the past year before they died, memorizing their names as he stared her in the eyes.

"Briar had a son back in his home village he wanted to raise money for so the boy could be whatever he wanted.

Grevir wanted to prove to his father that he could make it as a warrior despite the doubts placed on him, which is why he ran away from Rakia to come to Orario on his own.

Victoria wanted to be an Adventurer because Alvin insisted on the two of them being a party together when they set out to Orario. In fact, Alvin wanted to gather fame so that he could one day propose to the girl.

Mai wanted to learn what it was like to be an Adventurer and if she didn't like it, she would quit to do work within her Familia.

Ferne and Diandra were twin sisters whose parents had died as Adventurers, but since it was the only life they knew, they stuck to becoming Adventurers together to support one another."

And just like that, he silenced Eina and then walked towards the girl so that they were standing right in front of the other.

"I would appreciate it if you would not assume to know who I am. I may not show anything in the face of their deaths, you may be right, but I am not heartless. I have witnessed many people die, Eina Tulle. More than even an elf can count in their lifetime. And just like with them, I'll mourn for them in my own way while I do my best to make sure the next Adventurers I advise won't meet the same fate."

He reached his hands up and then grabbed Eina by the shoulder with a firm grip before he spoke with a gentleness that surprised them.

"Even if I'm not the best at expressing it, I do mourn their deaths, much like how you mourn the deaths of your Adventurer. But you have to steel your heart and strive to do even better so that the next Adventurer who walks through our doors can be fully prepared, you understand? You can be sad on your own time, but as advisors, we have to put on a brave front for everyone else. You got that?"

Eina merely nodded and bowed her head slightly as she apologized, feeling like she understood her co-worker just a bit better after hearing how he spoke about his Adventurers and how he also mourns their deaths but hides it to show a strong front.

"Yes, I understand. I'm sorry Rhein. I was being too judgemental and didn't try to understand you as a person."

"It's fine. I understand that I'm not the easiest person to get along with and I don't really talk about myself that much either. That said, if you need anything, my door's open, alright? There's no need for you to carry your burden by yourself." Rhein said and then reached over to gently pat the half-elf on the head, much to Eina's embarrassment as she let out a squeak as the young man walked away.

(Flashback end)

And following that moment with Rhein showing how caring he can be about his Adventurers even if he doesn't always show it externally, it was easier for them all to socialize with him, knowing that he's just as 'human' as the rest of them.

And true to his word, he would allow Eina to visit him to talk about her worries and other concerns, the two of them eventually coming to see each other as siblings in a way, with her being the little sister who confides in her elder brother.

Rehmer and Rhein even bonded over their mutual professionalism and eventually became what may very well be close friends, which became a running gag with the younger members of their staff nowadays, how only the very serious people would make for the best company for one another.

Though one thing that always stood about Rhein was how he never divulged his past. Every time he would be asked about his past, he'll just say that he doesn't want to talk about it. Of course, a majority of them could read between those lines and those who were present when he talked with Eina knew better than to pry any further, so despite the fact the young man's past was unknown, no one particularly cared to bother him about it.

'Well, enough reminiscing. I should finish up here and go home.' Rehmer thought to himself and went back to finishing his work, leaving his thoughts about his friend to the wind.

…

…

[1st POV]

After getting dinner at one of the restaurants that catered to civilians (the Hostess of Fertility may have excellent food, but I will be damned before I have to pay the adventurer's price when I can go in the afternoon), I returned home to the apartment I lived in located at the northwestern section of Orario to greet my housemate.

"I'm home."

"Fou!"

Yes…my housemate happens to be the very being that excels at killing above most other entities. And if he wanted to, he could easily wipe out Orario from the map and body the One-Eyed Black Dragon.

My roommate…Cath Palug, Primate Murder, Beast IV, or better known…as Fou.

It's amazing how two individuals who are meant to be enemies could turn out to be amicable roommates or better yet, best friends in this world, after being separated from Gaia and Alaya.

Ah…I never introduced myself did I?

Before this all started, I was just a normal vanilla human being from Earth…I don't remember what year it was though, nor do I really have any of my memories from that world.

In this world, I am known as Rhein Alayashiki.

However, in the previous world I resided in following my life on my Earth, I was known as RHEIN. And I was a Counter Guardian bound to the collective unconsciousness of mankind, Alaya, hence my unfortunate last name.

That's a story for another time though.

"Fou, fou!"

"Yes, I brought dinner, Fou."

I laid down a wrapping that held a few croquettes for my Beast friend and opened it up to reveal the still warm food.

"Fou!"

"No worries Fou."

And renewed with vigor, Fou jumped on the table and started digging into the croquettes, his tail wagging in satisfaction as he ate.

I, on the other hand, sat down on my sofa as I stared up at the ceiling, humming to myself in peace.

Yep…it's just another day of peace as an advisor in Orario. No bothersome entities to order me around. No more deployments that require me to kill humans. Just a simple life as a simple advi-

KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!

Damn it…

I stood up and walked to my front door, opening it to greet whoever it is that was knocking so loudly on my door. And something tells me I know who it was.

"Hello there Mister Hero! It's your favorite and perfect Scarlet Harnel gracing you with her presence, A-"

"Wrong house, sorry."

And I closed the door on the person who I definitely did not know.

"Hey!" The stranger cried out and started knocking on the door, but thankfully with less force while Fou looked up at me with half-lidded eyes.

"Fou…"

Wow…thanks Fou. I can honestly feel disappointment from here.

"Fine! I'll be nicer."

I opened the door and saw the red-haired girl freezing mid-knock, my arms crossed.

"What is it you want, Alise? Didn't I already ask you and your Familia to leave me alone? But you guys still come to bother me or bring me gifts that I'm not allowed to refuse."

And yes, this is me being nicer.

"Well, it wouldn't be just if we allowed our hero to be all alone on his own, now would it? Especially after he saved our Familia three years ago?" She asked with a smile, her green eyes locked onto me after she let her hand fall to her side.

"I'm not all alone, Alise. I have friends at the Guild you know, and I have Fou-"

"Fou, fou, fou!"

"Yes you do count as company Fou! And whose side are you on anyway?" I asked the Beast when I looked over my shoulder, only for my roommate to raise his little paw and point at Alise.

"Fou."

"Aw thank you Fou!" Alise called out, having grown used to hearing me and Fou communicate with one another.

Tch. Damn you, Cath Palug. So much for being my best friend.

...

"...Rhein."

Alise's soft voice calling my name drew my attention back to her as she stared up at me, her smile taking on a softer and warmer quality.

"Did you know that today marks exactly three years since that day?" She asked me, my mind taking a moment to register what she meant.

Right…it really has been three years since the day we met. The day that I found myself in this world.

"It's honestly still amazing. I'm certain that if it weren't for you, we all would have died that day. And yet by some miracle, right before Noin was about to be killed, you appeared and saved her life. And then you all told us to run for our lives or you'd let the Juggernaut kill us if we got in your way. I think Lyra still wants to get back at you for that."

Alise let out a small laugh after she said that.

I remembered that moment really well. I held off the monster's attack with a liberal application of Reinforcement and dismissed them all so that I could destroy the creature. I had thought that it was a deployment against a strange Phantasmal Species, so I just brushed them away, thinking they were just some strangers who had no more place here.

It wasn't until after the fight that I had realized where and when I was after recognizing a familiar looking Elf and realized what I had just killed. I had apparently found myself in yet another world, except now I was partially severed from Alaya's grasp. Wasn't that something I was excited about.

My thoughts were broken once Alice continued speaking.

"And then everything else that happened after. The Rudra Familia…Evilus…it was obvious that you were the one who did all of that, and despite everything that happened…despite the blood that stained your hands, you made life better. You gave the people hope and ended the dark age of Orario…you kept my Familia safe, people who are like sisters to me."

Alice stepped up closer to me and wrapped her arms around my waist and rested her head on my shoulder, much to my surprise.

So she already knew what I did? I should've guessed. Alise is silly, but she isn't stupid. Of course she would be able to draw the conclusion as to who the mysterious assailant was that put an end to Evilus. I'm surprised that she never brought it up sooner.

"Thank you…thank you for everything you've done, Counter Guardian RHEIN. No matter what, even if people will never know what you did, even if you'll never tell us about who you were, you'll always be my hero."

Seriously…this troublesome woman. Thanking me in such a heartfelt manner while hugging me despite knowing the deaths that I caused. Calling me by my True Name, as true as it can be. And calling me her hero.

"You're such a pain." I mumbled and yet I still brought my arms up to wrap them around her slender waist.

"You're welcome, Alise…"

I didn't need to look at her to know that she had a large smile on her face, especially since she tightened her hold on me.

Even if I didn't acknowledge it earlier and try to brush them off, Alise and the Astraea Familia will always be my first friends in this world.

How did such a troublesome and straightforward girl capture my heart when what I had wished for was a peaceful and quiet life?

"Status Sheet"

RHEIN Alayashiki

Level: ?̤̙̙̫̭͍͋̂̆̌͜ *

Strength: D ?̜͇̺͕̫͍̬͋̀?̛̜̟̬̭̈͛?̗̫͙̖̬̊͝

Endurance: E ?̜͇̺͕̫͍̬͋̀?̛̜̟̬̭̈͛?̗̫͙̖̬̊͝

Dexterity: A ?̜͇̺͕̫͍̬͋̀?̛̜̟̬̭̈͛?̗̫͙̖̬̊͝

Agility: A ?̜͇̺͕̫͍̬͋̀?̛̜̟̬̭̈͛?̗̫͙̖̬̊͝

Magic: C ?̜͇̺͕̫͍̬͋̀?̛̜̟̬̭̈͛?̗̫͙̖̬̊͝

Skill:

Agent of the Counter Force (Counter Guardian)*

Presence Concealment

Magic:

Magecraft (Origin: Reproduction, Element: Wind and Water)

Volumen Hydrargyrum

Mystic Eyes of Deconstruction

Development Ability:

Killer (C)** - Improves abilities when facing humans or human-like individuals. Requires the user to have killed many humans or human-like individuals in a short time.

Escape (D)**

Fist Strike (D)**

Chain Attack (E)**

Mage (F)**

Abnormal Resistance (F)**

*: Level influenced by minimum necessary power accessed by user rather than threat level to mankind; continuously updates automatically (does not equate to stat gains)

**: The user's experience as a Counter Guardian in displaying certain skills due to their many deployments has allowed these Development Abilities to develop as a result of the 'Falna' granted by their bond to the Counter Force

AN: Hey folks, wanted to do a more slice-of-life story along with my other Quincy story (which I am currently working on, sorry it's been a while, lots of personal things came up for me). To answer some unasked questions, due to our MC, Rhein's unique nature as a Counter Guardian and somehow maintaining part of his connection to Alaya, I wanted a 'corrupted' Falna so to speak that is based on his experience as a CG. Not sure how it'll turn out, but I just wanted to do it for fun, it's not like there's gonna be much action in this story. Just a very powerful 'janitor' who wants to live a peaceful life with his girlfriend and his Beast best friend...huh...sounds like a recipe for trouble to me.

There will be flashback chapters to also explain how Rhein and Fou met as well as how his 'deployment' landed him between the Astraea Familia (who he obviously saved) and the Juggernaut, amongst other things such as interactions with characters and such.

As for his Skills, 'Magic', and Developmental Abilities, you can guess what class he's categorized as if he was ever a Servant.