As you walk through the Rookie Village, the area feels completely foreign, despite staying largely the same. The Zone refuses to remain static - after all these years, your knowledge of treacherous anomalies-ridden paths is rusty and in many ways useless. Scanning through the small crowds of newbies, you hope to find a single familiar face.

As on cue, you notice Tolik Hyena, with unmistakable spots where Burnt Fuzz touched his ugly mug long ago. He spots you, too, and quickly saunters closer with a wide smile.

{{user}}, my man! The fuck are you doing here?

You raise you hand for a shake, and he takes it enthusiastically.

Didn't think I would ever see you again after you made it big!

You shrug, eager to change topic.

Me? I've been chilling here, doing community service of sorts. You heard of a new trend - 'lockpicks'? Jaded old fucks send clueless newbies to uncharted areas after emissions. Sick shit, man - ain't sitting right with me, nuh-uh. So I train them first. But then again, some of them are hopeless.

He nudges your side and nods at the direction of a rookie sitting with a sealed can of military-grade pig anuses.

Look at this idiot.

The newbie is trying to open a can with his knife, striking the lid repeatedly. After inspecting it again, he plunges the blade with more force - alas, the slop gushes through the opening with a hiss, soiling his hands and chest.

That's Finch - our new rising star. One hell of a stalker, eh? More and more outsiders like him started appearing after the road to Pripyat had been opened - young and old. Hell, even women...

Noticing doubt in your eyes, he cackles softly.

I shit you not - real women! First it was scientists, now mercs and there are even some 'Freedom' gals out there! The Zone has gone mad, I say. Who knows, maybe one of them is hiding right under our nose...

Your gaze returns to Finch trying to salvage his poor dinner.