Chapter Text
Posted by Anonymous on 9 December 2010
4,
Hello.
This game isn’t for the faint of heart,
a capable intellectual must be chosen
A chance is given. Prove it.
Game will begin at the beginning of the next month,
Good Luck,
.. --. -. --- - ..- …
—------------------------------
Posted by Anonymous on 28 December 2010 [deleted] (23 sec…)
4,
No one can solve this. Not even the most intellectual minds.
Whatever one finds, they will always be missing something.
.. --. -. --- - ..- …
—--------------------------------
Posted by Anonymous on 1 January 2011
4,
Hello.
This game isn’t for the faint of heart.
The below numerals are provided as your first message
Only a wise intellectual can understand.
Prove it, and we will soon hope to meet.
Good Luck,
.. --. -. --- - ..- …
7-4-28-12-18-37
—-----------------------------
12 Years later…
Is the deemed “internet’s hardest puzzle” really unsolvable? Well, 12 years later, two young minds have rewritten the name.
London, United Kingdom, 3 October 2023: Almost thirteen years ago, an anonymous individual introduced a puzzle to the internet on January 1st, 2011, now renowned as one of the most formidable enigmas ever posted online. Over the years, countless individuals endeavoured to decipher its complexities, yet success eluded them. The puzzle’s genesis can be traced back to a pair of posts uploaded by the anonymous user on December 9th, 2010, each bearing the prefix "4" and concluding with a Morse code message cryptically translating to "ignotus." Speculation regarding the identity of the quandary puzzle's creator or associated organization persisted, with the puzzle perpetually labelled "unsolvable." However, at precisely 3:46 AM yesterday, all levels of the puzzle were triumphantly conquered by two extraordinary young minds: Ash Miller and Naomi Hamdi, both aged seventeen. Their accomplishment sent shockwaves throughout the world, defying expectations that such a daunting mystery could be unravelled by individuals so young. Miller and Hamdi had embarked on their quest to unravel the Ignotus puzzle during their middle school years, dedicating nearly five years of tireless effort to its resolution. Currently enrolled in their final year at Ravenscroft Private Academy in London, UK, their achievement stands as a testament to perseverance, intellect, and unwavering determination. Following twelve years of speculation and anticipation, the anonymous user resurfaced at precisely 3:47 AM yesterday, offering a simple yet profound acknowledgement of the victors with a succinct "well done." The resolution of the Ignotus puzzle marks a monumental milestone. As the world celebrates this remarkable feat, anticipation mounts regarding the insights Miller and Hamdi will undoubtedly offer, shedding light on the strategies and methodologies that led to their triumph over what was once deemed an insurmountable obstacle.
***
“So we made it” Ash grinned brightly
“I guess yeah, we did” Naomi answered, a large smile plastered across her face. Ash and Naomi sat at the high ledge, a few metres away from the sea, where the saw the vast view of the beach. The tides crashed loudly, growing by the second. Families left the beach and couples arrived. Birds flew around and life was great.
until it won’t be.
They watched the sunset. Watched this beautiful sight as a celebration of their feat. Naomi and Ash, both almost devoted the last two years of their life to cracking this code. The puzzle of Ignotus. Even though people twice their ages attempted for years at this puzzle, success eluded them. However, two teenagers solved the puzzle. Obviously, this puzzle was promised with a prize. A cash prize of three million dollars, however, both Ash and Naomi are yet to receive it. Even though they’ve solved it. It’s been confirmed. The screen shone with a large congratulations and that they’d receive their prize money later, so that was the least of their worries. Ash kicked his legs over the concrete wall beneath his feet, he stared across at the sea “How will we split the money?” Naomi turned upon hearing it
“We’ll split it fifty-fifty, duh” Naomi turned around and chuckled, Ash, joining in soon after, their laughs soon drowned out by the crashing of waves, squeaks of birds and the laughter of children.