While the first-stage Sudoku puzzles were challenging, high-level Sudoku isn't unsolvable. After a slow start on the first day, the number of people completing the puzzles quickly increased.
After solving the first Sudoku puzzle, players could obtain the second puzzle from Shimayose Yosuke. True to its nature, this was a simple deduction problem using the grid-like layout of Tokyo's newly constructed streets. Solving the puzzle revealed the keywords "Atlas" and "Experience Store," pointing to the Atlas Offline Experience Store in Akihabara.
Currently, in addition to the flagship store in Akihabara, Atlas operates five other branches across Tokyo. Visiting any of these locations would provide clues to the next puzzle.
The first stage consisted of four puzzles, with one released each week. After solving the first puzzle, players had to wait a full week for the next clue to become available.
Although the first stage was scheduled to run until February 14th, Kobayashi Tetsu estimated that, given his weekly puzzle release rate, some clever individuals would likely find their way to the Mitsui Building within a month, allowing them to bypass the need to meet him personally.
As Kobayashi Tetsu left work near dusk, he saw Iwasaki Daisuke mopping the corridor.
"President Kobayashi, working late again?" Iwasaki greeted him with a polite but slightly awkward smile. "That puzzle looks really tough. My nephew's been trying to solve it too, but he hasn't even cracked the first one."
Kobayashi reassured him, "Don't worry, the puzzle runs until February 14th. If you can't solve it yourself, you can always ask for help. As long as someone solves it, I don't care who does it."
Iwasaki puffed out his chest. "That's why I helped him with the Sudoku!"
Meeting Kobayashi's questioning gaze, Iwasaki chuckled sheepishly. "But we still couldn't figure it out."
Kobayashi clenched his fist.
This uncle's really messing with his nephew!
Since he had some rare free time today, Kobayashi pulled on his baseball cap and headed to Shimayose Game Store.
The store was even more crowded than usual, with groups of people clustered around.
As time passed, many had already solved the Sudoku puzzle and were lining up to get the next riddle from Shimayose Yosuke.
Kobayashi slipped in quietly to see Shimayose Yosuke. When Shimayose Yosuke spotted him, he leaped to his feet.
"Kobayashi—" Shimayose Yosuke instantly fell silent, then muttered under his breath, "President Kobayashi, you've been keeping this a secret! If you hadn't appeared on TV, who would have guessed you were the president of Atlas?!"
Kobayashi Tetsu shrugged. "Just inspecting the offline operations."
He discreetly slipped a box of envelopes to Shimayose Yosuke.
This was the second puzzle: a pattern Kobayashi Tetsu had created based on Tokyo's grid-like streets. By deciphering the pattern to navigate the streets and connecting the initial letters of the corresponding locations, players could spell out the key phrase for the Atlas Offline Experience Store.
To solve it, players needed a standard map of Tokyo's central districts. If they didn't have one, they could purchase one at Kadokawa Bookstore.
Shimayose Yosuke took the box, flipping through the envelopes, then suddenly looked up at Kobayashi Tetsu.
"President Kobayashi, can I still participate? I want to join the competition too!"
Kobayashi Tetsu considered for a moment, then readily agreed.
"We can't give you credit for the first puzzle, but you can try to solve the second one on your own. Missing one puzzle's points will likely prevent you from winning the regional championship, but remember, it's about participation! Even solving all the first-stage puzzles will earn you a consolation prize."
Shimayose Yosuke slapped his thigh.
That's right! It's all about participating!
Whether he won an award didn't matter; what mattered was that he wanted to play!
After obtaining Kobayashi Tetsu's permission, Shimayose Yosuke tore open the envelope himself for a quick peek. He wished he hadn't. The moment he glanced inside, he was stunned.
A chaotic mix of drawings and text plunged him into instant confusion.
Each word, taken individually, was perfectly understandable, but when combined, they made absolutely no sense.
He quickly stuffed the envelope back into his pocket.
"Maybe I shouldn't participate after all."
"Too late," Kobayashi Tetsu said. "You're already registered. If you withdraw, I'll have someone send you to another world by truck."
Shimayose Yosuke gasped.
They can force you to play games now?!
He raised the envelope and walked out to announce the news, with Kobayashi Tetsu following close behind.
Naturally, Kobayashi Tetsu had no intention of saying much; he was just there to observe the situation.
Shimayose Yosuke held the envelope aloft, and in an instant, dozens of pairs of eyes turned toward him.
"Everyone! The week is up! I've received the second riddle. Those who solved the first riddle can claim their envelopes from me using the registration information they provided earlier!"
Kobayashi Tetsu adjusted his hat brim and leaned against the wall, watching the crowd line up to receive their Sudoku puzzles.
He had given Shimayose Yosuke a box of envelopes, which looked like they would be distributed by the end of the day.
Kobayashi's gaze swept over the crowd, quickly estimating the numbers. Since it was a weekday, most of the people gathered here were likely unemployed or idle. The actual number of players was undoubtedly much higher.
Game sales have increased this week, and we've gained significant publicity. Maintaining this many potential players—the results are quite promising.
Just as Kobayashi was thinking this, a girl's voice suddenly rang out.
"Excuse me, is this the Shimayose Game Store? I've brought the answer to the first Sudoku puzzle."
Rustle, rustle.
Dozens of pairs of eyes instantly swiveled toward her.
Female players were rare. Since Koyakawa had stopped coming, there hadn't been a girl here for quite some time.
Kobayashi slightly lifted his hat brim and saw an unexpected face.
Takamine Aika looked back, momentarily flustered by the sudden attention from so many eyes.
"What are you all staring at? Haven't you ever seen someone play a game before?" Shimayose Yosuke scolded, striding over. He first took the Sudoku solution, glanced at it to confirm it was correct, and then handed Takamine Aika an envelope.
"Here's the second riddle, young lady. Good luck."
"Thank you very much," Takamine Aika said, accepting the envelope and eagerly tearing it open. The intricate drawings and cryptic text made her head spin for a moment.
Kobayashi Tetsu stood nearby with his arms crossed, watching her. He noticed the ribbon in her hair tracing graceful arcs as she bent her head to study the riddle.
"This is quite unexpected," Kobayashi Tetsu murmured to himself, genuinely surprised to see Takamine Aika participating in such a game.
But then again...
While the first riddle required pure Sudoku skill, the second one demanded some deductive reasoning.
Kobayashi Tetsu paused for a moment before turning to leave.
He didn't approach her, of course. There was no need.
She would meet him once she solved all four riddles.
Based on her problem-solving abilities, Kobayashi Tetsu estimated that Tajiri Satoshi would likely be the first to reach him.
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