In the distance, the distinctive crackle of machine gun fire rang out, breaking the calm silence. A notification about a new message appeared on the communicator.

Personal message (1): Stalker, this is Professor Hermann, let's drop small talk, I need help. We were ambushed at a train station, with only a swamp behind us, and bandits in front. I'm paying 30,000 RUB for help.

The appeal to the stalker spoke of the extreme degree of despair of Professor Hermann and his group. The substation could be reached in 5 minutes, but the sounds of gunfire still echoed around, although the intensity of the fire had decreased.

The bodies of mercenaries lay on the railway tracks, indicating a recent skirmish. The location equipment showed three active targets. Climbing the steps of the train station, you heard the sounds of a single pistol shot.

"Guzzle my bullets, bitch!" A smoky, hoarse voice from afar mingled with the gunfire. Behind the trees, he noticed bandits: two were alive, two were dead. Apparently, one of the two men was shouting obscenities at the person inside, presumably the Professor. Suddenly, a bullet struck the concrete pavement under your feet, reminding you of the ongoing fire contact.