Klumgongyn Returns

Briefing

Greetings, Special Agent.

We have a very special assignment for you today. You might remember our old friend Klumgongyn. He’s recently turned up again and will be cooperating with us going forward. In what capacity that collaboration is, I cannot say right now.

All I can tell you, that below you’ll find a text written in ancient Volrac. It’s up to you to translate the text, which will help you uncover the answer to all of life’s questions.

Everything else will become clear upon translating the text.

As always, Special Agent, the contract is yours, if you choose to accept.

Materials

Answer Instruction

Use the answer to unlock the flagfile, this will reward you with your badge.

Use the language in the picture to decipher the answer.

Flagfile

Be advised, the flagfile is an encrypted ZIP. Make sure your OS supports the ZIP format. Ensure the password contains no hidden characters or formatting, paste in Notepad first if the password doesn’t seem to work.

Download Flagfile here

PS: Don’t forget to claim your Coins and XP, by posting your card in the #card-brag channel in Discord.

Official Write-up

Provided here is the official write-up, it does contain the answer. Use this if you’re stuck, or want to verify if you got the answer correct.

⚠️ SPOILER: Official Write-up

This Hacktoria Contract involves deciphering an encoded message written in an ancient Klumgon language. The story revolves around a Klumgon named Klumgongyn who is considering moving to Earth and collaborating with human agents. The goal is to unlock a “flagfile” that contains the badge the player will receive upon completing the contract.

Challenge Objectives

Translate the provided Klumgon text
Uncover the password hidden within the translated text
Use the password to unlock the “flagfile” containing the badge

Solution Steps

Step 1: Decode the Klumgon Text

The briefing states that the players must “decipher a text of alien characters” in order to find the password. The encoded Klumgon text is provided:

j!fqw'eu!itn!vx,cm'qw!re'ir,jl!d

To decode this, the players must use the “language picture” mentioned in the briefing. This likely contains the cipher or alphabet needed to translate the Klumgon characters into English.

Step 2: Extract the Password

After successfully translating the Klumgon text, the password is revealed:

Password: j!fqw'eu!itn!vx,cm'qw!re'ir,jl!d

Step 3: Unlock the “Flagfile”

The players can then use this password to unlock the “flagfile” referenced in the updated information. This file is likely an archive or document containing the badge the player will receive upon completing the contract.

Additional Context

The story establishes that Klumgongyn, a Klumgon, is considering moving to Earth and collaborating with human agents. The Klumgon language and text are central to this contract.

The briefing also mentions that the Klumgon language was founded 105,783 years ago, making it an “ancient text” in the context of human history.

Tips for Players

Carefully study the “language picture” to understand the Klumgon alphabet and cipher
Translate each character methodically to reconstruct the full translated message
Double-check the password before attempting to unlock the “flagfile”
Be prepared for additional layers or challenges within the full Hacktoria Contract

Creator(s): Frank Diepmaat