The first step is to look at where we talk about the first puzzle in the introduction. It is mentioned that a man named Ishida created it, that he came from the far east like Aya Rindou did, and that it wouldn't be able to be solved til 19.. something but he forgot the year.
If you seen the anime, just look at the name Aya Rindou, or look at the term far east, you can tell that they originated from Japan.
Additionally looking at all the 19's in the thread, it shows up three times its in the thread 1964, 1985, and 1987. However only one of them is hidden at the bottom (How suspicious)
Searching using any sort of variation of these terms on Google "Ishida Puzzle Japan" "Ishida Puzzle 1987" "Ishida Japan 1987" etc should all bring you up to the Puzzle Nonogram
Looking at how Nonograms work. "A picture logic puzzles in which cells in a grid must be colored or left blank according to numbers at the side of the grid to reveal a hidden pixel art-like picture" You can assume that the numbers correspond to the number on the side of the grids.
Looking at the another hint on the thread, it says "left to right, top to bottom"
You now create your own nonogram using the numbers given using 0 as a divider (As 0 makes no sense in this puzzle) between the rows and columns. You first do the rows in Left to Right order. And then the col in Top to Bottom order
There is a A which also doesn't make sense but when turned into Hex, A is 10. You could also reverse engineer it by when solving the puzzle.
Solving the Nonograms gives you a QR code that will take you to the bonus puzzle #1
Going to solve the Hint for the Bonus 1 first
While seemingly just empty at first, on closer examination you notice that some of the spaces are longer then others.
Some are actually Braille Pattern Blank, counting the number of Braille between each space you get the code.
This is a simple 1=A 2=B code which when translated gets you "Maybe a Change of Perspective Would Help"
Knowing that you're getting a word/phrase from this and looking at the image from a different perspective (maybe a Top Down view by chance)
What you are looking at is a direct top down view of letters. The gradient is when the letters change elevation
looking at the image with Black being very top and white being very bottom, you get the word UNVAiL
L for example would be 1/3 a very dark and 2/3 a much lighter color because the l is high up and the _ is much lower
On initial glance, you see there are a series in vertical colors lined up next to each other
On closer look, you can see there are three hidden things in the pic on the top right, middle, and bottom left.
The hidden images are a hexagon, highway 64 sign, and lenny face.
They represent hexcode, base64, and ascii respectably
Examine each bar of color and grab the hex value of each.
Collect all the hex values of each bar of color and convert it to either ASCII or Base64 and you can the final solution.
Big thanks to @Synertry for providing some of the images above.
In the bustling streets of London, Phileas Fogg, the indomitable adventurer had just returned from his 80-day journey around the world and made a extraordinary find.
It was a mystical object known as the Sorcerer's Stone, said to possess the power to turn base metals into pure gold and grant eternal life to its possessor. Rumors of the stone's existence had circulated among secret societies and esoteric circles, but its exact location had remained shrouded in mystery for centuries.
Worried about potential thieves, Fogg engaged with the world's most revered mind. He transformed his London residence into an impregnable fortress. The once ordinary home now stood as a bastion of impenetrable defenses, boasting a labyrinth of intricate security systems, vigilant guard dogs, and a cadre of elite protectors, each honed to perfection in their mission to safeguard the stone at any cost. The piece of resistance being a intricate vault locked behind a series of three puzzles.
Yet, despite the formidable fortifications that now protected the stone, Fogg found himself curious about the efficacy of his new defenses. To put them to the ultimate test, he extended an invitation to some of the brightest minds of the age, including the renowned detective Sherlock Holmes and the brilliant Aya Rindou, to attempt a breach. Among the select few fortunate enough to receive this intriguing invitation, you stood, poised to participate in this extraordinary challenge.
Phileas Fogg stood in his lavishly appointed drawing room, where the priceless Sorcerer's Stone now resided under vigilant guard. The room was adorned with rich mahogany furnishings and adorned with Persian rugs, a stark contrast to the formidable security measures now in place. Fogg welcomed his esteemed guests with a subtle nod and a faint smile.
Sherlock Holmes, his trademark pipe in hand and keen eyes scanning the room, was the first to break the silence.
A most intriguing challenge, Mr. Fogg
Safeguarding the legendary Sorcerer's Stone, I see. I must admit, the security measures are rather impressive.
A maid carrying a bird cage steps forward and raises it, revealing the head of the mysterious detective known as Aya Rindou.
Indeed, Mr. Fogg. I'm eager to see if your fortress can withstand our combined wits. But, you've left me wondering, why the sudden interest in testing your defenses?
A matter of curiosity, Miss Rindou. My travels have taught me the unexpected can often be the most rewarding. And what better way to test one's security measures than with some of the finest minds around
Holmes raised an eyebrow
And should we manage to breach your defenses, Mr. Fogg?
Then, Mr. Holmes, I shall be impressed, and you will have earned a worthy prize. But if you fail, your tears of frustration will be your only prize.
Intriguing, isn't it, Mr. Holmes? A headless girl in a birdcage, a priceless stone, and a fortress of puzzles. It's as if we've walked into a most extraordinary tale.
I wouldn't get your hope up though, I reached far and wide and gathered some of the finest mind around to secure my treasure. In fact, the first part of the puzzle was created by a brilliant mind named Ishida, who hailed from the same far east as Miss Rindou. He alone personally guaranteed me that his section would be impossible until 1964?... 1985?... 19 something—far longer than I would live for and, therefore, far longer than I need it to last.
Of course, the reward is extended to everyone else present as well though.. I don't have the highest of hope for all of you
Hey
Hey you
How are you?
Do you read left to right or top to bottom?
Excuse me?
no
👀 BYE!
Bye?
Phileas Fogg let out a long sigh and waved his hand and the vaults began to seal, revealing the first puzzle etched into the front of the vault. The stage was set for an extraordinary challenge, where some of the finest minds in the world would match their skills against Phileas Fogg's formidable puzzles. Do you have the wit and perceptiveness needed to break all three codes and break into the vault?
Main Candy: Find out where the first puzzle takes you (Find the link)
Bonus Candy 1: Find the first password in the link you found (Find the hidden word or phrase)
Bonus Candy 2: Find the second password in the form after you submit the bonus candy (Find the hidden word or phrase)
Please use the Google Form to submit your answers and then post something in the thread every time you've submitted so I can grade and give you your candy
Hints
As I expect many people to struggle with this room, I will be providing hints over the course of the event to hopefully help people move along. Be sure to check for any new hints that might show up.
Hints:
There are many clues hidden throughout the post that will help figure what the first puzzle is and how to solve it.
Ah looks like you made a mistake and didn't crack the code this time. Remember that every attempt is a step closer to success.
Let's try and tackle the puzzle once more.
Congratulations on cracking the first code; Your keen observation and quick thinking have led you to the next part of the puzzle
Here's a piece of main candy as a reward!
Congratulations on cracking the first code; Your keen observation and quick thinking have led you to the next part of the puzzle
Here's a piece of main candy as a reward!
Incredible, you've managed to cracked not just one but TWO of our codes? I'm beginning to think you might just be able to do the impossible. As a reward, have a piece of main candy and bonus candy
Congratulations on cracking the first code; Your keen observation and quick thinking have led you to the next part of the puzzle
Here's a piece of main candy as a reward!
Incredible, you've managed to cracked not just one but TWO of our codes? I'm beginning to think you might just be able to do the impossible. As a reward, have a piece of main candy and bonus candy
Hello, I've submitted the form, may I be graded? Thank you @bluecookies
Mod Edit:
AMAZING you've done the impossible and cracked all three puzzles. You truly are one of the finest mind around. As promised, here's a main and two bonus candy as a reward for your accomplishment
I think I submitted (before I accidentally closed my browser window) @sonniet
Mod Edit:
AMAZING you've done the impossible and cracked all three puzzles. You truly are one of the finest mind around. As promised, here's a main and two bonus candy as a reward for your accomplishment
AMAZING you've done the impossible and cracked all three puzzles. You truly are one of the finest mind around. As promised, here's a piece of bonus as a reward for your accomplishment
Ah looks like you made a mistake and didn't crack the code this time. Remember that every attempt is a step closer to success.
Let's try and tackle the puzzle once more.
TimcampyOct 21, 2023 12:37 PM
Between dreams and reality is the vault of your soul. No one could see the “Dream World” without this path. 芸淑 芸
Congratulations on cracking the first code; Your keen observation and quick thinking have led you to the next part of the puzzle
Here's a piece of main candy as a reward!
Congratulations on cracking the first code; Your keen observation and quick thinking have led you to the next part of the puzzle
Here's a piece of main candy as a reward!
Ah looks like you made a mistake and didn't crack the code this time. Remember that every attempt is a step closer to success.
Let's try and tackle the puzzle once more.
Done! Only did the main part. Not doing bonus ones. @DarkEmperor69
Mod Edit:
Congratulations on cracking the first code; Your keen observation and quick thinking have led you to the next part of the puzzle
Here's a piece of main candy as a reward!
Congratulations on cracking the first code; Your keen observation and quick thinking have led you to the next part of the puzzle
Here's a piece of main candy as a reward!
TimcampyOct 21, 2023 12:40 PM
Valvarush!Tune Up!Madwheel!
Entry. Armed Arrow. Ready, fight!
Lock on! Soiya! Orange Arms!Hanamichi on stage!
Drive: Type Speed! Valvarush!Tune Up!Madwheel!
Are you ready? Wake up burning!Get Cross-Z Dragon! Yeah!
Cure Up RaPaPa! Dia! Miracle Magical Jewelryle! Our Miracle! Cure Miracle!Our Magic! Cure Magical!MahouTsukai Pretty Cure!
Congratulations on cracking the first code; Your keen observation and quick thinking have led you to the next part of the puzzle
Here's a piece of main candy as a reward!
AMAZING you've done the impossible and cracked all three puzzles. You truly are one of the finest mind around. As promised, here's a main and two bonus candy as a reward for your accomplishment
I think I got the right URL... but then...... @harorudo74
Mod Edit:
Congratulations on cracking the first code; Your keen observation and quick thinking have led you to the next part of the puzzle
Here's a piece of main candy as a reward!
Hello, I resubmitted the form for the second bonus candy, thank you! @tamir71
Mod Edit:
AMAZING you've done the impossible and cracked all three puzzles. You truly are one of the finest mind around. As promised, here's a piece of bonus as a reward for your accomplishment
Congratulations on cracking the first code; Your keen observation and quick thinking have led you to the next part of the puzzle
Here's a piece of main candy as a reward!
Congratulations on cracking the first code; Your keen observation and quick thinking have led you to the next part of the puzzle
Here's a piece of main candy as a reward!
Congratulations on cracking the first code; Your keen observation and quick thinking have led you to the next part of the puzzle
Here's a piece of main candy as a reward!
Ah looks like you made a mistake and didn't crack the code this time. Remember that every attempt is a step closer to success.
Let's try and tackle the puzzle once more.
Uh huh, looks like your message got lost in the maze of numbers. Please resubmit your answers on the google form send another reply to the thread. Make sure your MAL username on the form matches what you have here.
Submitted again, but I definitely messed up bonus 2, I think. Because I have found another phrase
Edit: Corrected bonus 2 with third submit @Synertry
Mod Edit:
Incredible, you've managed to cracked not just one but TWO of our codes? I'm beginning to think you might just be able to do the impossible. As a reward, have a piece of main candy and bonus candy
Ah looks like you made a mistake and didn't crack the code this time. Remember that every attempt is a step closer to success.
Let's try and tackle the puzzle once more.
Congratulations on cracking the first code; Your keen observation and quick thinking have led you to the next part of the puzzle
Here's a piece of main candy as a reward!
That took way longer than expected, but hopefully it's right @Kebakkaran
Mod Edit:
Congratulations on cracking the first code; Your keen observation and quick thinking have led you to the next part of the puzzle
Here's a piece of main candy as a reward!
Congratulations on cracking the first code; Your keen observation and quick thinking have led you to the next part of the puzzle
Here's a piece of main candy as a reward!
Uh oh, looks like your message got lost in the maze of numbers. Please resubmit your answers on the google form send another reply to the thread. Make sure your MAL username on the form matches what you have here.
Finally submitted, spent way too much time over a little thing at the end, hope I got it right though. @isekun
Mod Edit:
Congratulations on cracking the first code; Your keen observation and quick thinking have led you to the next part of the puzzle
Here's a piece of main candy as a reward!
Ah looks like you made a mistake and didn't crack the code this time. Remember that every attempt is a step closer to success.
Let's try and tackle the puzzle once more.
TimcampyOct 21, 2023 4:55 PM
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