055. The Foreigner

Chelyabinsk, Russia.
Every incident has always sparked human curiosity, an inevitability that has remained unchanged even before the first civilization stood between the rivers Euphrates and Tigris. The progress of time has made it easier for humans to satisfy their curiosity, which, even if left unattended, may not lead to fatal consequences. However, the drive of instinct is incredibly difficult to divert. And information, no matter how small, has become a necessity in life.
After being swarmed by news hunters from various countries, the airport in the perpetually cold city eventually returned to emptiness. The police, military, and FSB collaborated effectively, warding off every camera and microphone thrust accompanied by a barrage of questions. Following OCK directives, not a single authority made statements while the central office of the EPCU secret task force crafted scenarios to satisfy the curiosity of the press and quell the panic of the masses.
At one in the morning, the FSB spokesperson for Chelyabinsk held a press conference. Using a projector, they presented all the evidence in the form of photos and videos taken from the explosion site. A failure in the blasting process of underground mining methods was cited. A representative from a mining technology company expressed profound regret as he apologized publicly.
He explained that the failed blasting process was an attempt to reduce environmental pollution in Karabash. Disturbed by the adverse effects of mining methods in Karabash on the surrounding residents, his company initiated an eco-mining campaign. The blasting process was conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method in addressing environmental concerns.
However, the abundance of remnants of wild underground mining tunnels since 1910 weakened the soil texture in their chosen area, making it insufficient to isolate the explosion. As a result, all tunnels near the blast point collapsed, causing the ground surface to sink, and the explosion's effects became uncontrollable. Fortunately, according to the representative, there were no casualties in the incident.
"Nevertheless," the man added while displaying several photos through the projector. "The blasting process has successfully brought not only copper but also numerous minerals that still need to be examined to the surface. This ensures that the stock for Karabash's industrial supply will be sufficient until next year."
The press conference was adorned with pros and cons. Various responses were served to accommodate a myriad of incoming questions. It took more than two hours before the FSB concluded the event. Although many journalists still wanted to inquire further, they had gathered enough information to create articles and content. It was now their perspectives that would add color to the presented news.
With the consent of the EPCU, the OCK headquarters had already anticipated the impact of the press conference. Those opposing would vocalize their disagreement with mining in Karabash, as previous generations had done. Those seeking change would demand further development to find more environmentally friendly mining technologies. Finally, those dependent on mining would benefit from the emergence of various minerals on the Earth's surface.
Regardless of the tone of the forthcoming news, the issue of mining in Karabash and its environmental impact will be the main topic. Mining procedures will be closely monitored by various parties, and the state's efforts to reduce pollution levels will intersect with the issue of natural resource exploitation. Whatever the case, it will all divert the world from a truth that the majority of humanity may find hard to accept.
The OCK recovery teams had meticulously prepared everything, from engineering photos and videos to providing evidence of the existence of the scapegoat company. They even provided individuals playing roles in the scenario and executed memory alteration of each witness. Each EPCU task force has a recovery team responsible for diverting the public's attention from the truth they face. All for the sake of allowing humanity to lead a peaceful life.
And the sought-after tranquility once again returned to Chelyabinsk as all news hunters flocked to the airport departure gates from four to six in the morning. Everything was back to normal, except for the access to the bald mountain, Lysaya Gora near the industrial district of Karabash which was being barricaded and guarded. Otherwise, there was no difference from any other day.
At eight in the morning, the arrival gate of Chelyabinsk airport buzzed with activity, yet one figure stood out as he made his way toward the parking area. A handsome, light brown-skinned man strode confidently, his steps steady and sure. He wore lace-up boots with striking red laces, skinny jeans, and a hoodie, all in black, giving him an air of casual yet intentional style. His appearance suggested simplicity—just a backpack slung over one shoulder, as if he were merely traveling out of town. Yet, there was something about the way he moved, a quiet intensity beneath the surface.
Upon his arrival, the doors of two sleek, black sedans swung open, and four men quickly emerged. Three of them, sturdy and muscular, moved with the discipline of bodyguards, while the fourth, a man in his forties, stepped out with an air of authority. Despite their polished suits and executive appearances, something in their sharp, predatory eyes and the subtle precision of their movements betrayed their true nature.
The middle-aged man, with black hair meticulously combed back, streaked with silver strands, was none other than Oleg Maximovich Antonov—the formidable head of Eristovskaya, a powerful criminal organization whose influence spanned across multiple cities in Russia and even into neighboring countries. His commanding presence spoke of years of hardened leadership and ruthless ambition.
Standing at his right was Pyotr, his eldest son, a young man sporting a thin mustache and beard, exuding the same cold calculation as his father. Flanking them were two imposing guards, their silent vigilance revealing their readiness to protect at a moment’s notice. The group, though outwardly calm, radiated the kind of controlled menace that only came from a lifetime entrenched in organized crime.
"I hope your arrival here isn't as our enemy, Mr. Mahawira," Oleg said as he shook hands with the man sporting a top-knot undercut hairstyle in front of him. "And even if your visit does have interests conflicting with ours, I would greatly appreciate if we could negotiate a mutually beneficial solution."