Chapter 68: A Real Gang The others in the car were shocked to hear the word gang, and even the driver had turned around, his eyes practically popping out of his head. When people heard the word gang, or mafia, the mob, certain images immediately came to mind. Mostly, it was what they’d seen in the news or on popular TV shows. And let’s be honest, it didn’t exactly paint them as the nicest people in the world. Now, here they were, right in the center of it, getting far too close to that world for comfort. Still, there was a reason Max had chosen such a desperate measure. His perspective had shifted drastically. After being attacked by students, he didn’t see them as just teens anymore, he saw them as a gang, one willing to use weapons to get what they wanted. So what was the best way to deal with a gang? Hire another gang to take care of them. For one, they needed more people on their side, people who were actually willing to fight. And real gang members were the answer to that. It was also a way to recruit fighters without drawing attention from anyone who might’ve been watching him. But this wasn’t something just anyone could do. Gangs were ruthless. Dangerous. The question was, how did you even find the right kind of people? How did you know who to trust? How would you find someone loyal? Someone skilled? Someone true to their world? Walking into the wrong place, saying the wrong thing, it was a fast-track to going missing, ending up at the bottom of a river, never to be found again. But it was different for Max. He knew this city inside and out. And when it came to gangs... Max knew them very well. "Don’t you dare open that door!" Joe shouted, practically pressing himself against the seat. "You really brought us to a real gang’s hideout?! Have you lost your mind? I don’t even think your money can save you here!" "What are you thinking?! I don’t want to die, I’m so... so young!" "Do you think I want to die?" Max replied calmly. "The reason I came here is because I don’t want to. Trust me, I’m not looking to die either." He stepped out of the car and turned back. "Besides, it’s not as dangerous as you think. We’re only meeting with a street-level gang." "Street-level gang?" Steven repeated, his voice full of confusion. The way Max had said it made it sound like it should’ve been obvious, but neither Steven nor even Aron had a clue what he meant. Max let out a long sigh. "I guess it would be good for you to know what we’re dealing with before we head in there. Look... there are three types of gangs out there." "The three types of gangs actually work together," Max began. "They form a structure, with synergy all the way to the top." He looked around at the group to make sure they were listening. "Street-level gangs are usually made up of people involved in petty theft. Sometimes tagging, intimidation jobs, extortion, and courier work for the higher-tier gangs. In some cases, they’re used in turf wars too." He paused, tapping the door lightly with his fingers. "Because of all that, most of the members in these groups tend to be younger, more reckless. They want recognition from the higher-ups, and they’re eager to prove themselves. That’s why they’ll be perfect for our side." Max reached for the door handle, until Joe raised another question. "Wait, you said three tiers, right? What about the other two? What’s above the street-level guys?" Max nodded, not surprised by the question. "The second tier above them are the organized groups," he said. "Their main focus is profit and control. They use the street gangs to do most of the dirty work, but when they get involved directly, it’s because something big is happening." 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮 He leaned back slightly against the car. "They focus on drug trades, black market sales, maybe even underground fighting rings. With the money they make, they’ve got real influence in the city. Different groups have different priorities, depending on how they operate and where they invest their money." "Then lastly, you have the Elite Syndicates," Max continued. "In some ways, they operate in the same space as the second group, but they’re in a completely different league." He glanced at the others, their eyes locked on him. "They have enough power to influence political campaigns, conduct data theft, and some of them even deal in assassinations, among other things. Like I said before, the type of business varies from group to group. But these Elite Syndicates... they’re not to be messed with." Max’s tone was dead serious now. "They often use the lower tiers, including the organized crews, without those people even realizing it." No one spoke. They were completely locked in, hooked on every word Max was saying. It was like hearing someone reveal a hidden world they didn’t even know existed. He knew so much... more than they could’ve imagined. "Wait," Joe finally asked, eyes wide. "They really have the power to influence political campaigns? And the news and stuff doesn’t report on it?" "Right," Max said, nodding. "And remember what I said, it all starts at the bottom. Everything begins with the Street-Level gangs." He paused for emphasis. "Usually, it’s the members who move up, shifting between groups as they climb the ladder. But in rare cases, a street-level gang can evolve into an organized crew. And from there, they might be invited to join an Elite Syndicate." "Invited?" Steven repeated, eyebrows raised. That was too much information for Max to give. "That’s not important," he said. "What is important is that today, we’re meeting a street-level gang. The group most used to fighting, and the easiest to influence with the one thing I have." He reached for the door. "Money." One by one, the group stepped out of the taxi. The driver, who had clearly heard more than he ever wanted to, didn’t waste a second, he hit the gas and disappeared down the road. The group was about to come face-to-face with a real gang. And none of them were exactly excited about it. "Can I ask you something else?" Joe said, glancing at Max. "How do you even know all this?" It was a question Aron had been wondering too. After all, Max was someone who couldn’t even remember his own family members—but could talk about gang hierarchy and underworld operations like he wrote the rulebook. Max didn’t answer. He just kept walking ahead. But the answer was simple. The White Tiger was an Elite-Level Syndicate. And Max... was their leader.