No. 001 - Simple Addition [Written]

[reminded]

[It's about time to give this device a go. In neat, legible writing is simply the following:]

5 + 5 + 5 = 550

It appears I have my arithmetic out of sorts. However, it would be a shame to scrap the equation entirely. Can you help me correct it by adding a single straight line?

Comments

[written]

[materiathief]

5 + 5 + ˉ5 = 550

Guess that only works if you aren't counting 550 as one number.

Best I got.

[reminded]

[He blinks at the message.]

Abstract thinking is a valuable tool in puzzle-solving, but I'm afraid you have the wrong lead. Try to see the equation in a more... artistic light.

[materiathief]

Math puzzles aren't my strong point.

[She won't be writing anything else for about...seven minutes. Please hold.]

Well I guess 545 + 5 = 550 is artistic. If making a plus sign into a 4 can be called artistic.

[reminded]

And yet you solved it wonderfully.

I think any solved puzzle makes admirable display. Even more so if it isn't your strong point.

[materiathief]

Yeah, but now my head hurts a little, and I need to know if ink comes off a table.

What's with the puzzle anyway? That's pretty random.

[reminded]

Ha ha. "No pain, no gain," wouldn't you agree? Though I suspect your table would appreciate a little less of that pain.

I wanted to test my journal and make sure I could send messages as well as receive them. Problem solved.

[materiathief]

That saying is best used when working out. Maybe no one will notice the table though. Oh well.

You know, most people test that by poking it, or yelling at it until someone tells them to shut up.

[reminded]

[He'd argue that the brain needs just as much exercise to stay fit, but that's an argument for another day.]

As entertaining as either of those options would be, I thought a puzzle might be more enjoyable. Do you disagree?

[materiathief]

Well, it's an easy way to get people's attention. It's just sorta odd for someone new to be calm enough to write out a puzzle.

[reminded]

I'll admit that I was quite puzzled when I first awoke, but a gentleman does his best to keep calm in every situation.

I find puzzles to be therapeutic, myself. What better way to collect your wits than by gathering them for a conquest of logic?

[materiathief]

A gentleman? Can't say I've ever heard that before.

That's actually a pretty good way, especially compared to my introduction to this place. But I had the bad luck of landing upside down in a tree.

[reminded]

[That gives him a bit of pause.] You've never heard of a gentleman?

You were dropped in? That is a predicament, to be sure. [And very alarming, really.]

[materiathief]

No, I have. I just never heard anyone refer to themselves as one.

Yep. Not everyone is lucky here. It's happened to a few other people too.

[reminded]

A force of habit, I'm afraid. Do you find it strange?

[Another point to add to his big book of mysteries.] I should be thankful, then. Not even a puzzle could save me from an earthbound descent. Though I must wonder what factors into the arrivals we make.

[materiathief]

A bit. But strange is normal here.

I think it's random. Some people end up in the lake, in a house, on a bench, or other places.

[reminded]

[Well, at least he isn't out on a bench in the rain.]

I see. Thank you for the information, my friend.

[materiathief]

The name's Yuffie Kisaragi.

[reminded]

Hershel Layton. A pleasure to meet you.

[materiathief]

Same. If you have any questions about this place, instead of puzzles, feel free to ask.

[reminded]

I appreciate the offer. And if you ever have questions about puzzles, I'm always willing to help. Just look for me by my top hat.

[He hasn't seen anyone else with one, anyway.]