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Try to find the hidden message in the text:
xorarlpziebpwanywxnf

These seemingly random numbers will help you solve the puzzle:
-1 0 -3 1 -1 -3 4 4 4 1 2 3 -2 1 -2 4 -3 -2 2 1

Hint:

Each number affects the corresponding letter

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  • 3
    $\begingroup$ Starting the text with xor is a good red herring $\endgroup$ Commented Jun 6, 2022 at 3:39
  • $\begingroup$ @RossMillikan That was actually an accident, my generation script was completely random! $\endgroup$ Commented Jun 6, 2022 at 21:27

1 Answer 1

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First, you

convert each letter to its numerical value (A = 0, B = 1, ... Z = 25) and then subtract the corresponding value in the list of numbers. Then convert the result, mod 26, back into letters, e.g.

x => 23
23 - (-1) = 24
24 => y

The resulting message spells "youzsolvedzmyzpuzzle," so the solution is YOU SOLVED MY PUZZLE.

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  • $\begingroup$ Are the "z"s meant to be spaces? $\endgroup$ Commented Jun 6, 2022 at 15:24
  • $\begingroup$ @Ross Presser Yes, the z's are meant to be spaces $\endgroup$ Commented Jun 6, 2022 at 21:24

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