[ ] = Doruuk's thoughts
Silence fell over the room as soon as Zaira finished speaking. Every eye was fixed upon her—even mine, as I searched her expression for any hint of hidden truth.
"What do you mean, Zaira? I don't understand why it's illegal." My voice was low and controlled, yet as sharp as a blade. I have no patience for half-truths, especially when our lives hang in the balance.
Under the weight of my scrutiny, Zaira shifted uncomfortably in her chair. She ran a hand through her hair before finally deciding to speak candidly.
"Let me explain," she began, placing both hands firmly on the table. "This treasure is so vast that it could upend the balance of an entire city. For that reason, the State has declared that only they may claim it. And if anyone dares interfere, they'll be executed on the spot—along with their entire bloodline. That's why hardly anyone dares approach it."
[This situation is far more complex than I'd assumed.]
An icy chill swept through the room as the gravity of her words sank in. The risk wasn't confined solely to us; it extended to anyone connected by blood. I crossed my arms, my face inscrutable, while inside, I recalculated every variable.
"There will be people who still try," I stated coldly, my voice carrying a brutal certainty.
Zaira nodded slowly. "Yes, but the State will catch them before they can act."
My gaze narrowed as I considered the reality. "Then how do we slip past their surveillance? We're far weaker than those high-ranking operatives who might be watching."
"That's exactly why we're here." Zaira swept her hand around the table, emphasizing the need for meticulous planning. "We must think of every possible angle."
A lone candle flickered, casting restless shadows over our tense faces. I could not ignore that the odds were, by all means, stacked against us.
"But there must be a guardian protecting the treasure," I pressed, moving straight to the core of the issue.
"Yes," Zaira admitted softly, lowering her voice. "And his strength is not to be underestimated."
I studied her closely, seeking any sign that might betray more than her measured words. Something still didn't add up.
"Doruuk," I called, my tone leaving no room for evasion. "Have you ever been there before?"
"No," she replied promptly. "It would be my first time."
Doubt gnawed at me. So many unknowns, so many gaps in our plan. I needed more certainty, more information.
"We're in a critical situation. You must tell us everything." My voice was both controlled and authoritative. "And right now, another necessity has become evident—one we cannot do without."
Zaira's eyes filled with confusion. "What do you mean? Explain."
Losing what little patience I had left, I slammed my fist onto the table.
[This is unacceptable. Absolutely not.]
"This isn't working," I declared bluntly, ignoring the shocked stares around the table. "The stakes are far higher than I anticipated. If we're to pull off a successful heist, we need a healer. I foresee scenarios that will be nothing short of nightmarish. We need someone whose sole purpose is to heal—someone skilled enough to keep us alive."
Zaira didn't flinch. Crossing her arms, she replied coolly, "Why a healer? Wouldn't a mage, who can both heal and attack, be more advantageous?"
Eldon, seated in a corner, chimed in, "I agree with Zaira on that."
"Well, I don't know," Kael mumbled indecisively.
Otis, ever the quiet observer, added, "I'll stay silent until I hear the full plan."
[Ah, these guys… always complicating simple matters.]
"Look," I conceded, my tone remaining detached yet firm. "A mage can heal, but his curative abilities are limited by his overall magic reserves. In contrast, a healer—whose only task is to mend wounds—provides a stronger, more focused effect."
Zaira's determined gaze did not waiver. "But if we choose a healer, we must also protect them. On their own, they're vulnerable. We can't plan a heist if we constantly have to worry about someone's safety."
Her point was valid, yet my vision spanned further. "I understand, Zaira, but given that we don't know exactly how much fighting we'll face, and considering that potions are too limited to rely on continuously, I propose we stock up on as many healing potions as possible. That way, even if our healer tires, we can depend on Otis and explore alternative solutions." My eyes hardened with determination. "I'll ensure their protection. I have the abilities to manage our defense and control the battlefield."
Otis stepped forward then. "I believe we should go with a healer, and if necessary, I will manage the defensive aspects. Trust me on this."
I turned to the others who had yet to voice their opinions. "Kael and Eldon, your thoughts?"
Eldon cleared his throat. "You're right, Doruuk. Protecting someone while fighting isn't an easy task."
"Yes, I know. Don't worry," I replied confidently. I was well aware of the challenges; there was no need for reminders.
Kael, true to form, offered only a curt, "Fine," avoiding any firm stance.
Zaira wasn't finished. With newfound tension in her eyes, she addressed me directly, "Doruuk, your arguments are solid, but remember—we only have one month. Strong healers are already tied up with other teams."
"Are you certain?" I asked, locking eyes with her, searching for any hint of uncertainty.
"Absolutely. They're not available; no one lets them slip away."
Time was our most merciless enemy. One month was a dangerously short span to orchestrate a heist of this scale. Desperation forced me to consider alternatives.
"What about religious healers? Perhaps we could approach their offices."
Zaira shook her head firmly. "No, religious healers don't see combat as their calling. They remain at their sanctuaries in prayer. Several warriors have tried recruiting them, only to be rejected. They claim it is immoral and that those involved aren't worthy. Worse, they might betray us to the guards, sealing our fate."
"Even if we were to offer them money?" I pressed, weighing every possibility.
"Yes—money wouldn't change their stance."
[Damn, one month… it's simply too short.]
The atmosphere grew even tenser. Running a hand over my face, I steadied my thoughts. We couldn't simply give up.
"Are there any medium- or low-level healers available?" I asked, tempering my expectations.
"Yes," Zaira replied with a shrug, "but hiring them wouldn't provide the support we need."
"Perhaps we could train them and boost their power."
Zaira considered the idea for a moment. "That's possible, but trust would be our biggest hurdle."
Eldon interjected, "Trust is essential—and we can't put it in someone we barely know."
Kael let out a dry laugh. "But we're already taking a chance on you, Doruuk."
"She's different!" Zaira exclaimed, her tone sharp enough to silence any further argument.
"Yes, but it remains risky," Otis affirmed, steering the conversation back to the matter at hand.
Frustration churned inside me. We needed concrete solutions, not endless debates. "There must be an alternative. Zaira, what do you suggest? Eldon?"
Eldon shook his head slowly. "I honestly can't think of anything."
"Neither can I," Otis added.
Silence blanketed us as the candle's flicker cast shifting shadows across the room. Time was marching on relentlessly—we had to find a solution, and fast.
After what seemed an eternity, Zaira straightened in her chair, resolve now etched on her face.
"There's one possibility," she said quietly. "We can get someone who cannot betray us—a person whose loyalty is absolute."
[For real?!]
A spark of hope flared in me, though I kept my expression stoic. "What do you have in mind?"
Zaira leaned forward, her voice dropping to a near-whisper laden with gravity.
"Buy a slave."
Chapter-End.