A group known as the Lost Boys has vanished, and your task is to track them down. You head out into the abandoned site, meeting up with The Ninth, a devoted Monolith worshipper who happens to hold the key to saving the leader of the Lost Boys, Mastiff. This meeting requires some tough decisions: should you protect The Ninth from the hostile stalker who wants him dead, or side with the hostile stalkers?
Help or Kill Monolithian The Ninth
If you speak with Lens, the technician in Zalissya, he’ll offer you a mission called The Lost Boys. He’ll send you to an abandoned site located south of Zalissya. When you get there, head to the marked waypoint. Be ready to encounter several dead bodies; unfortunately, it seems the group Lens sent you to find has been wiped out.
You’re about to enter a dangerous area. First, find a backpack in a closet containing a power outlet and a fuse. Place the fuse in the fusebox to turn on the lights. The next room is full of dangerous electrical anomalies. Move slowly and carefully, but once you activate them, run quickly, as they can harm you. At the bottom, you’ll encounter mutant rats. Use a pistol or a stronger weapon to eliminate them. On the left, there’s a wind anomaly. You might also find a survivor named Saturday.
Once you help Saturday up, he reveals a tragic story. A Monolith worshipper attacked their group, using psychic powers to kill most of them. Saturday survived, but their leader, Mastiff, was captured. Your task is to rescue Mastiff to complete your mission and get paid. As you exit the bunker, be prepared to fight blind mutant dogs.
You’ll find a hidden entrance leading inside when you reach the abandoned house. You’ll discover Mastiff suffering and a Monolith worshipper named The Ninth there. The Ninth explains that he saved Mastiff and plans to release him soon. However, other stalkers have been sent to kill The Ninth. Now, you face a difficult choice: side with The Ninth or let him die.
Return to Lens
After listening to Saturday, you can return to Lens and tell him the whole group will be eliminated. You will not get any rewards from Lens, but when you return to the abandoned house, you will see Dew’s crew to be eliminated and The Ninth and Mastiff missing.
Not My Business
You’ll find a secret way to go inside when you get to the old, empty house. Once you’re in, you’ll see Mastiff, who’s hurt and in trouble. There’s also a person called The Ninth, who follows the Monolith. He tells you that he rescued Mastiff and will set him free soon. You tell him you don’t want to fight other stalkers, and he tells you a route to take outside the building unnoticed.
Help Monolithian The Ninth
To save The Ninth, avoid a conversation with Dew. Instead, talk to The Ninth to ensure his safety and immediately attack Dew and his mercenaries. It’s a tough battle, but The Ninth will assist you.
After defeating them, talk to The Ninth to learn more about him and his faction. You’ll also receive the Rubber Layer blueprint, a valuable upgrade for your equipment. Returning to Lens, you’ll receive your reward of 500 coupons for finding Mastiff. However, he’ll express his disdain for Monolithians and warn you about the potential consequences of your decision.
Kill Monolithian The Ninth
If you choose to side with Dew, you must defeat The Ninth in a one-on-one battle. While he’s tough, he’s ultimately no match for you. Defeating him will earn you a larger reward of 1000 coupons from Lens. However, you’ll miss out on the valuable Rubber Layer blueprint. If you want to quickly gain favor with the stalkers, eliminating The Ninth is the easiest way. The other stalkers will appreciate your actions.
