Rizok nodded calmly as he continued to vigilantly watch their surroundings. Thankfully, it wasn't long before they began to approach their destination. Tucked in the corner of a narrow, winding alley was a rundown building with a large chimney that was only distinguishable from the rest of the slums by the scent of fresh bread that wafted out from the door.
If one looked closely, then they would notice that there were no gang markers near this building or any of the surrounding alleys. Above the slightly crooked door, a sign hung that read, "Gurza's Oven." Every pedestrian passing through the street glanced at the store with an expression of respect, and Hudson couldn't see any criminals sizing him up for the first time since he's entered the slums.
"This is where you intend to recruit for your Cult?" Rizok asked, his tone laden with skepticism. "I confess, I was expecting something a little less…"
"Run down?" Hudson finished for him while letting out a hearty chuckle. "Come, let's go on in. I saw a few street kids dart inside, so this should be a good chance for you to see what this place is about."
Upon entering Gurza's Oven, Hudson and Rizok were greeted by the warm scent of baking bread. Inside, the space was clean and orderly, a stark contrast to the disarray of the streets outside. The store was also significantly larger on the inside than it otherwise should be, likely due to [Interior Enlargement], which was a common Skill among shop owners.
A few street urchins were huddled in a corner, nursing steaming loaves in their grubby hands while tracking the two of them with wary eyes. There were also a few older teens sitting at tables and peacefully enjoying a meal, despite the fact that many of them were wearing colors representing different gangs.
Hudson had seen once what had happened to someone when they tried to knife a rival in Gurza's Oven. Getting unceremoniously thrown out by Gurza was the least of their worries compared to what the rest of the slums had done.
Behind a flour-dusted counter, an imposing eight-foot-tall ogre woman was working on a pile of dough as a human boy in ragged clothing approached her counter. Her skin was tough, and covered in a web of faded scars that bore witness to her many years of hard living. Her face was wrinkled with age and one of her tusks was broken in half.
Despite her intimidating appearance, everyone in the store looked at her with respect rather than fear. Hudson snorted as he saw that the kid was giving her the most pitiful puppy-dog eyes that he could.
"Can we get some more?" the boy pleaded, offering up a few tarnished coins.
Gurza snorted and spoke with a heavy street accent, not even bothering to look up from her work. "Again, Toren? Yer pocket seems to have a hole today. You know the rules. That ain't enough for a loaf, an' my Skills can't keep up with feedin' every brat in these slums."
"Please, Ms. Gurza. We're still hungry," the boy pleaded, his eyes widening with tears.
Gurza gave a grunt of exasperation. "Yer always hungry, ain't ya? I swear, you lot are like a swarm of locusts."
Despite her complaints, the ogre woman made her way over to the large, urn shaped oven behind her and pulled out a loaf of bread. After a moment, her hands began to glow and a duplicate loaf of bread formed, still steaming and fresh.
Hudson heard Rizok's breath hitch at the sight, and he turned to see his companion's eyes widen in surprise. "That… must be a very high Level Skill. I've only ever heard of someone being able to create physical objects from nothing, and never seen it myself."
"Yup, it's pretty neat isn't it," Hudson replied, grinning at the lizardkin's reaction. "Gurza refuses to share her exact Class or Level, but people think that she must be a [Charitable Baker] or something similar. I've only ever seen her use that Skill when she intends to give away food, so there must be some requirements to it."
Gurza was almost certain to have a very high Level as well, given that she looked like she hadn't aged a day from when he first saw her. Ogres already lived twice as long as humans, and people with higher Levels had longer lifespans than what was normal.
"Here you go, you little brat," Gurza said gruffly, tossing the steaming bread to the boy. "And don't come here beggin' again today, Toren. Yer not the only one who needs to eat."
The boy looked up at her with awe-filled eyes before darting back off to his friends. Gurza shook her head and muttered something about bottomless pits before turning her attention to Hudson.
"Well, this is a surprise," Gurza grunted as she returned to working her dough. "Usually once you brats stop showing up, it's cause you ended up dead or left this place. Never expected to see yer schemin' face back in my shop, Hudson. 'Specially with a [Guardsman] at yer back"
Hudson met her gruff demeanor with a good-natured smile as he approached and placed a few coins on the counter. "I'm glad to see you too, Gurza. It's been too long since I've tasted your bread, and I've brought someone who's eager to try it as well. He's not a [Guardsman], just a member of the military. There's also something I'd like to talk to you about, if you've got the time."
Gurza rolled her eyes at his flattery. "Same ole Hudson. You always know how to sweet talk someone before you rope them into whatever scheme you've got goin' on. Sit yerself down, and I'll bring over some bread once this batch is done."
Hudson chuckled and gestured for Rizok to follow him to one of the unoccupied tables. As a result of his reincarnation, Hudson had been a precocious kid and was always trying to find new ways to leverage his knowledge for money, so it wasn't a surprise that Gurza was wary. Despite her decidedly unwarm welcome, Hudson could see in the old ogre's eyes that she was glad to see him.
The two of them took their seats and waited for Gurza to come see them. Within that time, a pair of heavily scarred lizardkin began arguing and brandishing knives at each other, only to fall silent when Gurza slammed her fist on the counter and glared at them. A few more kids also came to beg for food, which brought back memories for Hudson as there was a time when Gurza's Oven was the only reason he didn't go hungry for several days.
Eventually, Gurza finished the rest of her work and approached their table with two fresh loaves of bread in hand before taking a seat herself. "Alright then, what is it that you want?"
Hudson looked up at the tall ogre and gave her his best affronted expression as he took a bite of his bread. "Can't I just come here to enjoy your delicious bread and enjoy the pleasure of your company? You make me sound like one of those scamming [Merchants], Gurza."
Gurza scowled, flashing her one sharp tusk. "You would've fit right in with those money grubbers if you had the chance, brat. Now cut the shit. Tell me what you've come here for."
Hudson could tell that Gurza wouldn't tolerate him talking in circles, so he decided to get straight to the point. "I'm sure you've heard that the Conclave is gone, yeah? Guess who got picked by the new guys in charge to help take over for them?"
For the first time since they walked into the shop, Hudson could spot a hint of surprise in Gurza's expression. "Really? Good on you, kid. I heard that you ditched those kids who were runnin' around and callin' themselves a gang. I was skeptical when I heard you decided to turn into some [Cultist], but it looks like it worked out for you. Don't see what this has to do with me, though."