> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://apeleaks.gitbook.io/leaks/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://apeleaks.gitbook.io/leaks/mega-mutant-melee/battle-reports/march-25-major-puzzle/standard-metapuzzle.md).

# Standard Metapuzzle

Is this a fake answer?

*You notice a fifth crate, which had been hidden behind the others. It has a label attached to it, and another keypad-enabled lock.*

<figure><img src="https://115637145-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FfFuTZVVkTrnykW4pXSfL%2Fuploads%2FBsfE7MpXXdk39YLrWIrp%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=32dfa8aa-5153-463f-a2b7-0c15f2812504" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Inspecting the final crate reveals a blanked out flag for the [Central African Republic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_the_Central_African_Republic).

<figure><img src="https://115637145-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FfFuTZVVkTrnykW4pXSfL%2Fuploads%2Fj6nzCciRBT97BtslHckG%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=c70ed394-1baf-4a9a-ae51-f5002d4e8991" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Reviewing the answers needed to unlock the previous crates reveals colors that match the horizontal bands of this flag.

| Puzzle             | Answer        |
| ------------------ | ------------- |
| Artwerk            | BACHELOR BLUE |
| Primitive Markings | WHITE MORRIS  |
| Math Test          | GREEN SHINER  |
| Ape Crossword      | YELLOW ANGEL  |

Using the color in the answer as a guide for where to place the second word, writing these answers into the band of the flag with the center letter(s) falling in the red band is shown below.

<figure><img src="https://115637145-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FfFuTZVVkTrnykW4pXSfL%2Fuploads%2FUzlAtJhMDYXsR9iS5b23%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=03ff06f2-6241-4e00-9bbd-6ebbcb620a9a" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Reading down the middle gives the word HERRING, which when combined with the color of the band being RED, gives the final answer of **RED HERRING**.

**Inside the Crate**

*You unlock the final crate, and as it opens you are bombarded with one of the most vile, noxious odors you've ever had the displeasure of smelling. You look closer - while holding your breath, of course - to find that the crate is full of fish. Small, shiny fish... herring? You shine a light on them and notice they're a crimson hue. Literal red herring!? Hmm…*

*You start to turn away in defeat, frustrated at having spent all that time solving a complex cipher just to end up face to face with a bunch of rotten old fish, when you notice something in the corner of your eye. A greenish glow that stands out amidst the red scales. It seems to be coming out of a herring’s slightly open mouth. Do you reach into the fish's mouth to investigate further?*