Stalker Mityai is the most legendary and discussed person in the Novosibirsk Zone. Everyone knows stories about his exploits, and many trackers set him as an example to young salagas. However, who is he really? And how did he become known throughout the Zone? Long before gaining his reputation, the young stalker Mityai was an ordinary newcomer, "washcloth," not much distinguished from the general mass. But one fatal sortie changed his fate... During the groups that broke out in the War Zone, Mityai receives a clear task - to find and save the only surviving witness to the secret operation in exchange for the life of his comrade. However, the investigation reveals that the situation is much more complicated and confusing. A vagrant stalker unwittingly becomes an accomplice in a real conspiracy, behind which are very influential people.