Our story so far,
Layton and Luke boarded the Arrow Zeppelin for a luxurious trip across the sky. After counting beads and fighting knights in the main hall, the duo made their way to the lavish dining hall. Just when the two we're starting to get comfortable, the power shut out, and the coveted Aphrodite's Amulet was taken. We resume our journey with the mad scramble to find the caper.
"There are thieves among us," the cold Inspector deduces.
"You think the thief is one of us," Lydia questions.
"Absolutely, and I think Layton is a prime candidate."
"Layton and Luke were at the dining hall during the time of the robbery," The Baron informs. "Where were you at the moment of the burglary, Inspector Hawk."
"My friends and I were in... the Great Hall, look, I know that sounds bad, considering that the two rooms are right next to each other, but I assure you I didn't lay my fingers on it, Inspector's honor."
"I'm sorry, Inspector, but you need to give me more information to be pulled from the suspect's list."
"That's blasphemy Baron, you know me, and my squadron of detectives all want to maintain the truth."
"I know, but you fellows were the only ones close to the necklace at the time of the nabbing."
"Are there any ways to get the museum other than the main hall," Layton ponders.
"No, I don't believe there are any secret passages or other trails that intersect the foyer. I was in the lounge, but I would have to bypass the entrance, which the detectives said I didn't."
"Well, Layton, Luke, and I were all in the food pavilion. Massive guards are blocking the way to the museum," Lydia declares.
"Oh, you mean Billie and Jamie, I wouldn't call them massive. They're just actors who get a little too into their role as watchmen. I should probably tell them to kick their performance down a notch, so they don't give our guests a heart attack. Even with all that being said, I must inform you that their weapons are made of foam. Us at the Arrow Hotel would never be so careless," Baron states.
5th Mystery - Movable Knights Solved
It turns out those armor-wearing blokes were just actors hired by the Baron to keep regulars out of the dining hall. Baron even claims that their defenses are made from foam, which makes our high stakes encounter with them a little less high stakes.
1st Mystery - Aphrodite's Amulet Updated
The origin behind this elusive jewel remains a mystery. However, various legends throughout the ages document the stone to hold great powers. Its sheer beauty, coupled with its expensive price tag, always brings in waves of jewelry fanatics and thieves. Inspector Hawk and his gang of detectives are believed to have taken the trinket.
"Inspector Hawk and his crew are being searched right now, we'll let you know if anything turns up," The guard reports.
"Thank you, Billie, now what were we talking about again."
"How did you come in contact with this necklace, Baron?" Layton reasons.
"It was a marketing gimmick to get puzzle solvers and jewelry enthusiasts aboard the Arrow Zeppelin. It's also being transported to a museum in London, so they wanted to stash the relic aboard a vessel with tight security."
6th Mystery - Blimp's Creation
The Arrow Zeppelin has an odd history, and Baron won't spare us the details. Why was this blimp created, and what purpose does it serve?
Unfortunately, it looks like we've failed in our mission to guard the valuable jewel. Oh, Layton, would you be so kind as to investigate for me and find the real culprit.
"A gentleman never turns down a request from a troubled individual. I shall assist with your search to track down the elusive treasure."
"Oh, I can't thank you enough, maybe we can still salvage this trip."
The Arrow Zeppelin makes a hard landing, shaking the cabin and all that dwell inside. The force is so great that it's surmisable to a mini earthquake. "What's going on?" Luke questions. "I think we've just arrived at our destination, the sprawling peaks of Mount Ichabod."
"Wow, look how much snow there is, professor."
"I know, this mountain is famous for its large snowy fixtures and the Buddhist monks who reside inside them."
"Buddhist monks?"
"Indeed, these traveling groups find the cold helps them better with mediation. They also are highly secluded from the everyday monotony from the outside world. With all the mountain's pretty vistas and photo spots, I'm not surprised these hermits want to live here."
7th Mystery - City in the Sky
These snow-capped mountains contain bits of temple ruins spread out beneath them. A tribe of Buddhists also dwells within the haze of the cliffs. What secrets could they possibly be hiding?
Layton exits the floating machine, and steps onto the thick layer of snow. He zips up his heated thermal jacket and wraps a scarf securely around his neck. Layton spots Dash sitting outside the loading platform. His face buried in the pages of an old newspaper. He continually grips the creases of the document, exercising his frustration.
"What seems to be the matter, Dash. You're looking a little agitated after performing that word scramble."
"Yeah, man. These word rearranging puzzles have got me super stumped. Could you try it out, professor, I'm sure you can solve this hidden message dilemma."?
Puzzle!
No. 011 Crossword Catastrophe 1
This puzzle is worth 30/30 picarats. Subtract 5 if you get it wrong.
Below are a series of questions designed to test your knowledge on a specific topic. Each problem has a letter or two that, when added together, create an anagram. Can you uncover the string of letters and rearrange them to formulate a word?
Cat noise: _._._.w (First two letters)
Dog noise: B._._._ (First and third letters)
Lion noise: _._.a._ (First letter)
The sun rises in the: _._._.t (First letter)
The sun sets in the: _._._.t (Second letter)
Use the letters to create a seven-word phrase: _._._._._._._
Use hints only if you're stuck. Skip to the end to see the results.
Hints:
1.Don't overthink it. The answers to the questions are as straightforward as they seem.
2. Knowing where the sun rises and departs from the sky is crucial in cracking the code. The old proverb goes: "The sun rises in the east and sets in the west."
3. When rearranging the letters, it might be a good idea to re-read the top passage. It's a simple term used when you don't want to forget something.
"Here's my answer."
The word "remember" is CORRECT.
"Every puzzle has an answer," Layton smirks.
Good work unscrambling! Now you're ready to compete in the crossword Olympics.
"Thanks for the help again, Layton. I would've been stuck on that one for hours if you hadn't come to my aid."
"Brrr, it's so cold out here," Flora complains.
"Look, professor, I think I see Flora accompanying the passengers on this spiritual trip."
"Let's not approach her too quickly, I want her to be comfortable when conversing with us."
As Layton and Luke hike up the treacherous hill, they begin to discuss the circumstances of the jewelry incident. "I think there's more to this case than meets the eye," Layton details.
"Whatever do you mean?"
"Judging by Inspector Hawk's police record, I don't think he stole the amulet. He's arrested numerous thieves from purloining jewels in the past. If he knows how a thief thinks, why would he ever jeopardize his career with such an obvious mistake?"
"I don't know; this whole situation seems pretty fishy."
"Well, hopefully, we can shed some light on these bizarre turn of events."
The assembly of vacationers reaches the small hillside village, waiting for entry into the ancient ruins. A pair of patrol guards come out from behind the tower. One carries a hand crank and slowly opens the gate for them to enter. After passing through the entranceway, a group of monks greets Layton's arrival. The head of the monk tribe, who's adorned in robes and sashes, pulls through the crowd, "Why, if it isn't Professor Layton. I heard many great things about you. It's a pleasure to meet you face to face.
"The pleasure's all mine."
"I've wanted to challenge the tremendously well renowned Professor Layton in a Battle of Wits. If you could grant this old soul this wish, I will be eternally grateful."
Puzzle!
No. 012 Battle of Wits (Queen)
This puzzle is worth 40/40 picarats. Subtract 2 if you get it wrong.
Pull out a pad and paper and start circling! Draw a circle around the numbers to equal a total of fifteen, and leave no numbers left remaining. The circles you draw around the numbers can't be five letters long or one letter short. Circles with a length of two, three, and four are fine. You can't draw the circles diagonally, and you can't make giant circle boxes, you can only draw a circle around the numbers that are next to each other.
3.5.5.5.10
2.3.5.8.4
1.7.2.1.3
9.5.3.6.3
Use hints only if you're stuck. Skip to the end to see the results.
Hints:
1. You can make a fifteen in the top right corner with the 10 and the 5.
2. If you're missing any numbers when circling, then you must change something. There should be no numbers left remaining after you finish drawing boxes.
3. To make this problem easier, try to make your way to ten or past ten with the numbers at your disposal. Then you can add five to that ten for a simple fifteen.
"Let's shed some light on this one."
Six different boxes are CORRECT.
"Excellent if I do say so myself," Layton boasts.
Good job, keep it up! Here are the pairs and combinations you should've had:
5 and 10 in the top corner. 8,4,2, and 1 below them. 3, 3, 6, and 3 at the bottom. 3,7, and 5 next to it. 3, 2,1, and 9 on the left side. Finally, numbers 5, 5, and 5 in the top left.
"Wow, what a rush! It was indeed delightful to experience a Battle of Wits with you, Professor. No one within the village could ever get that one right.
"Thank you, I'm genuinely flattered by your kind words. Especially coming from someone integrated with Buddhist culture."
"Oh, no, I assure you that we're more pleased to make your acquaintance than we are to adhere to our regularly scheduled mediation in the afternoon."
"Why don't you and your friends come inside for a little bit? I'm sure you would enjoy the place."
The monk leads the pair into the golden palace through a large lotus gate. After the group enters the chamber, Layton focuses his efforts on the lotus lock. When the Buddhist monks are distracted by welcoming the visitors and gathering donations, Layton sneaks towards the captivating puzzle.
Puzzle!
No. 014 Lotus Gate
This puzzle is worth 30/30 picarats. Subtract 5 if you get it wrong
Like the previous lotus, we encountered earlier, this one presents its own set of six favorable qualities. The six read as follows: 1. Generosity, 2. Open-minded, 3. Brave, 4. Adaptability, 5. Calmness, 6. Knowledgeable.
From this knowledge, which order should you press the petals of the lotus in.
Use hints only if you're stuck. Skip to the end to see the results.
Hints:
1. Remember that there are multiple ways to read a message. Maybe there's a hidden one in this problem.
2. Surprisingly, these qualities are different from the ones on Aphrodite's' Amulet. There must be a reason behind it. Try lining up the words and see what you find.
3. If you look at the first letter in each of the words, you might be able to spell out a message. The phrase "Go Back" can be made out and can be interpreted as go backward.
"My intuition should serve me well."
654321 is CORRECT.
"A satisfying puzzle indeed," Layton exclaims triumphantly.
Not bad! It looks like you saw the message that's crafted from the first letter of each word. It spells out, "Go Back." Meaning, put the numbers in backward.
The two stealthily exit the facility and do some snooping around the village. The inhabitants are far too preoccupied with praying and meditation to notice your presence. After Layton rounds a rock wall corner, he spots a suspicious individual in one of the tiny houses.
"Professor! Look, that hooded man has Aphrodite's Necklace wrapped around his jugular. We must stop him.
The two pursue the masked creature as he scurries up the side mountain. The cloaked fellow picks up several massive rocks chucking them with his left hand. Layton and Luke dodge the boulder debris, prompting the man to scamper up an evergreen to escape captivity. The cloaked figure flies off the structure and disappears in the clouds.
"The powers of the Amulet are real, professor."
"Hmm," Layton reflects.
8th Mystery - Hooded Figure
It seems as if a member of the village is in cahoots with the thief. We chased this masked vigilante through the snow but were unsuccessful in catching him and revealing his identity. The hooded man used an assortment of powers against us. Are the powers of the amulet real, or is it all a hoax?
Layton uncovers a tattered newspaper from a mound of snow. "I think this page could belong to Dash's set. We should probably solve this next puzzle for him, so he doesn't have to worry."
Puzzle!
No. 013 Crossword Catastrophe 2
This puzzle is worth 35/35 picarats. Subtract 5 if you get it wrong
Below are a series of questions designed by Dash to test your knowledge on a specific topic. Each problem has a letter or two that, when added together, create an anagram. Can you uncover the string of letters and rearrange them to formulate a word?
The owner of the airship: B._._._._ (Three last letters)
The female restaurant worker: _._._._.a (Second to the last letter)
The male baggage handler _.a._._ (Last letter)
"Get out of the way, you're standing in the landing...": _._.n._ (First two letters)
Use the letters to create a seven-word phrase: _._._._._._._
Use hints only if you're stuck. Skip to the end to see the results.
Hints:
1. All the people in the first three questions are related to the main story. If you can't remember some of their names, go back and re-read the earlier sections.
2. When unscrambling the letters, try to focus on what phrases you can create with the list of letters at your disposal.
3. The answer to the last question has to do with the placement of the sun.
"Here's my answer."
The word "horizon" is CORRECT.
"Critical thinking is the key to success," Layton affirms.
Your wordsmithing ability is top-notch, keep up the good puzzle-solving work.
The duo travels further up the ridge, clinging to the white-capped cliff for support. Strings of multicolored flags accompany the top of the mountain. There's also a rickety bridge that connects the two peaks.
"Luke, if we're going to catch that crook, we'll have to venture across this highly unstable bridge."
"It might be too dangerous, are you sure there's no other way across."
"No, and I thought of the perfect puzzle to deal with this perilous scenario."
Puzzle!
No. 015 Rickety Bridge
This puzzle is worth 10/10 picarats. Subtract 2 if you get it wrong.
It takes you two minutes to cross a plank of wood. There are twenty planks, but every time you step on one, two fall out. How long would it take you to cross the bridge?
Use hints only if you're stuck. Skip to the end to see the results.
Hints:
1. Don't focus on math, focus on the logistics of the answer.
2. What would ultimately happen if two pieces of wood fell out every time you took one step. It wouldn't be pretty.
3. If there are twenty planks, after ten steps, the whole bridge would collapse.
"Well, here's my guess."
Zero is CORRECT.
"I did it," Luke announces.
Trick question, there's no way for them to get across with all the bridge's planks falling out.
"Good eye, Luke. There's really no way for us to use the bridge. I was just testing your puzzle-solving capabilities. Did you notice the side path just over that hill? It'll be the ticket to traverse the two summits."
They head along the opposite route, progressing through beautiful ice caverns and windy ledges. Once arriving at the crown of the mountain, they find a metal hatch beneath the snow.
Puzzle!
No. 016 Down the Hatch
This puzzle is worth 30/30 picarats. Subtract 4 if you get it wrong
Before you stands a locked hatch. There is no way to open the device, only a valve on the top, and a password encryption lock. There's a message buried in the snow right next to the barrier; the memo reads: "bI0h7." Using this knowledge, what password should be entered into the machine?
Use hints only if you're stuck. Skip to the end to see the results.
Hints:
1. Don't focus on the valve or the possible codes that could be on the encryption lock. The most crucial element of this puzzle is the key: "bI0h7."
2. There are many ways to read the mystery code. Maybe one of the methods can open the secured lock.
3. Look at the memo from upside down. Can this random string of letters and numbers formulate a word? If you're still stuck, relate the phrase to a familiar name.
"Luke, here's my answer."
Lydia is CORRECT.
"Another puzzle solved," The confident professor proclaims.
Excellent! Now that the hatch has been opened let's explore the new location.
The professor and the boy descend into the dark void. Inside, a cave of monitors and wires awaits them.
"What's all this professor,"
"Just as I predicted. This mountain is all artificial, not a natural element in sight."
"I'm so confused."
"Don't worry; I'll explain the mystery of the icy mountain."
"We're currently standing in the master control room of the city in the sky. All these Buddhist monks are actually actors. They've been hired by someone to create this fake ploy of a story. I knew they were faking it as soon as I heard they were accepting donations. Real Buddhist monks would never condone these types of activities."
"You really figured all that out just from a few short sentences. You really are a genius, professor."
"And I'm not done yet; there's still much more to be uncovered."
7th Mystery - City in the Sky Solved
These snow-capped mountains are all human-made structures trying to mimic the look of a real one. A society of Buddhist actors also dwell within this movie-set like village. This covert operation is all an elaborate ruse to gather wealth from Arrow Zeppelin's passengers.