A university professor wanted to become a mob boss. And the gang's lackeys and thugs were all outstanding students from Piltover University.
That was fantastical enough already.
Yet this "underworld professor" had actually come to ask her—a righteous Enforcer, the daughter of a Piltover councilor—whether she wanted to join them and become their protector.
"Are you joking?" Caitlyn could hardly believe it.
"Of course not." Viktor explained, "Miss Caitlyn, by now, you should understand that the Iron Fist Gang and the other Zaunite Gangs are actually part of Piltover's order."
"So the Enforcers cannot defeat them, and neither can a councilor's daughter."
"The only thing that can defeat the Iron Fist Gang is another Zaunite gang recognized by Piltover."
His words immediately plunged Caitlyn into thought.
Her mother had said something similar. The Iron Fist Gang could not be destroyed. Even if it were brought down, a new gang would quickly emerge to fill the power vacuum it left behind.
Because Piltover needed these Zaunite gangs to exist.
"Professor Viktor, you mean..." Caitlyn seemed to understand. "Since gangs cannot be avoided, you want to become this 'gang' yourselves and replace the Iron Fist Gang in controlling order within the Zaunite Community?"
"Exactly." Viktor nodded seriously.
He concealed the Wind Takers' true purpose and explained to Caitlyn, "Jayce may have mentioned that I am originally from Zaun. Not only me—these children you see all come from Zaun as well."
"I am already a professor, a Piltovan. I can live in the safe Rich District. But these children are still poor, still Zaunites. They can only live in the Zaunite Community controlled by gangs."
"The residents of the Zaunite Community have always been forced to endure exploitation and oppression from these gangs. Protection fees, usurious loans, Shimmer... Those gangs will try every