Chapter 51: Entrance Into The Heroes Party

POV Eliza

I was now a temporary member of the hero group. If someone had asked me why I joined their group even though I was the final opponent or arch-enemy, I could only answer evasively. It was a decision based on several reasons. The first reason was that I would always knew where they were. They were also my final opponents. Then I was able to see up close what skills they had and compare them to me. Then I was curious to see how well my transformation served as a disguise when there was someone in the hero group who had the skill Appraisal. Since we both had the respective skill concealment at Master Rank, it could be clarified which skill was stronger. In addition, I would gained access to the resources of the Empire, be it with equipment, but above all with knowledge and training. Besides, I could be sure that they would never expect me to be right under their noses. But the deciding factor was my intuition, a feeling that it was the right decision. So far I have always been able to rely on my feelings and I did that this time too. Plus, I was just bored.

In order for me to be suitable as a candidate for the call, some preparation was necessary. First I found out what level the heroes were and what abilities they had. Then I changed my status so that I was in level below them, but only a few levels. I concealed any skills that could be considered shady, such as stealth or disguise. I also lowered some skills so that they weren't too high and matched my EXP level. In addition to the resistances, it was above all my crafting and sense skills. I had always hidden regeneration and self-transformation anyway. Additionally I took on a different name.

Next came my backstory. I posed as an adventurer who accompanied wagon trains and travelers and rarely visited the dungeon. For my high value in Pick Lock, I had to take a risk with my declaration. But both also explained why, at my age, which I stated was 15, I already had some fighting experience and was not a complete beginner. I changed my name to Liss. I then met with the heroes for an interview. I was very nervous and was always ready to flee immediately if I was found out.

“Now that you are a member of our great group of heroes, please introduce yourself and explain what you have done so far.” Cornelius

“My name is Liss, I'm 15 and I'm a scout in class. I mostly work as an adventurer, accompanying wagon trains. I can serve as an advance guard or as a guard. As a child, I grew up in poor conditions and had to work hard to survive. I worked as a temporary worker in various trades. Because I had small and dexterous fingers, I also worked for a precision mechanic. He was an inventor of mechanical locks and he let me test his creations. This gives me a lot of experience in opening locks. When I was nine years old, I joined a traveling group and learned my class from them. I’ve been traveling alone for two years now.” <Eliza>

“Why do you want to work for us?” <Cornelius>

“What person wouldn’t want to work with the heroes of humankind? This opportunity only comes along once in a lifetime and I wanted to take the chance. I hope I prove myself worthy and helpful.” <Eliza>

“We will go to the dungeon with you tomorrow. We will test your skills directly and then see what happens. Be at our hotel tomorrow at 8th hour.” <Cornelius>

“I’ll be here on time.” <Eliza>

“Then you can leave now.” <Cornelius>

"Very well." <Eliza>

I bowed and left the hotel. Tomorrow I could show the heroes what I could do. I just had to be careful not to overdo it. After all, my true level was higher than theirs and so were my characteristics. They souldn't notice that I was making myself weaker. Most importantly, I had to keep an eye on my HP. They weren't allowed to notice that my HP was higher than what my status stated. And above all, they weren't allowed to notice who I really was. That's why it was necessary to hold back, bow my head and feign the necessary respect so that they were satisfied.

All the while in a place where no living person had ever set foot. A man with a very confident aura looked off into the distance. He was lost in thought and didn't notice someone approaching him from behind.

“Lumos.” <Man>

“Hah damn Eren, don’t scare me like that.” <Lumos>

“Hahaha, did you almost have a heart attack from the shock? Hahahahaha.” <Eren>

“Like I’m going to die from this. I am a god after all.” <Lumos>

“That’s why it’s always so much fun to tease you. You’re always so tense.” <Eren>

“I have every reason to do so too. I can’t lose.” <Lumos>

“Do you mean your bet with Luna? Do you want to hear an honest opinion? You didn’t do yourself any favors.” <Eren>

“I realize that, even if I seem arrogant and unteachable in the eyes of others. But I couldn’t let the insult stand.” <Lumos>

“In the past you would have just overlooked it. You’ve changed since the incident with Leonie.” <Eren>

"Do not remind me of that. This damned woman really exposed me. I will never forgive her for that.” <Lumos>

"What did you expect? She's just a cat and plays with her victims. And you were just one of their victims. Why did you fall in love with her of all people?” <Eren>

“I don’t know anymore myself. There is nothing left of the feelings, only unbridled anger.” <Lumos>

“You should slowly get your anger under control. It’s been many years.” <Eren>

“The wound runs deep. This isn’t going away anytime soon.” <Lumos>

“Still, you should forget it. Otherwise you will always be a point of attack for others. Like now for Luna.” <Eren>

“I know, but it's not that easy. Luna is also good friends with Leonie and takes every opportunity to have fun with me.” <Lumos>

“You two are like cat and dog, but you also provoke her. You know that your demeanor often comes across as arrogant and Luna can't cope with that. You should learn to hold back a little.” <Eren>

“Don’t lecture me, I don’t need that right now. But coming back to your question, the bet is going quite well. As expected, my heroes are making good progress and the others haven't even met yet. So I can win for sure.” <Lumos>

“Don’t be too sure. Luna isn't known for making devious plans, but Justicia hasn't yet forgiven you for interfering with the reincarnations at the beginning. That’s the only reason the other heroes haven’t met yet.” <Eren>

"I know. That's why I'm not allowed to send oracles to my heroes while Luna is allowed to communicate with them. But that won't help her either. The advantage of being able to gain experience in a group is difficult for the others to catch up with. And before that happens, my heroes should have completed the mission. I'm looking forward to it. Hehehehehe.” <Lumos>

Eren watched Lumos rub his hands and look devious. Then he just shook his head and turned around. Lumos had changed and unfortunately not for the better.