Here is your first room.​ You may turn the envelope marked Room 1 over now to see the image, but listen to the message below before you open the envelope. There is also a transcript of the message should you need it.
TRANSCRIPT Welcome to your first room detective. Though I may seem merciless, I want to give you the best chance at survival, and thereby absolution, that I can. So, you need to listen closely because I will only say this once. ​ In this and the following rooms you will find a series of seemingly random contents that you must use to solve my puzzles. Some contents are unusable until you have solved a different puzzle or utilized another element. You will not, by design, know the proper order in which things must be solved … this is part of your challenge because nature is a cruel and capricious mistress. If you can discern the appropriate patterns and connections, you will prove your mettle and avoid punishment. I can tell you how I would approach these rooms if I were in your shoes. You can choose to heed my advice, or you can choose to forge your own path; after all, Crime Magazine’s poster child must have skills and knowledge that the rest of us mere mortals can only dream of—who am I to tell you what to do?​ With that said, were I you, I would look through the contents of each room and familiarize myself with any myths I encounter by reading the corresponding page in the handbook I have supplied you with. I caution against skipping this step in the belief that you already know such myths as I have included tidbits not always taught in textbooks.​ To summarize, not all puzzles will be solvable initially, but there will always be something you can solve, which may lead to information or instructions to be used elsewhere. So, survey the room contents, read relevant myths in your handbook, and solve as you are able. It will be up to your own skill to string everything together logically. ​ Finally, in each of the subsequent rooms you enter, assuming you make it through this room, I will start you with a recorded message like this one. Listen to those messages closely: sometimes I may be generous and leave a hint, while other times I may give diabolical red herrings. It is up to you to discern the difference. ​ For this room, in particular, I leave you with this thought, perhaps you find meaning HIDDEN within:​ One to seven to six and four; then five to three and two. Riddle me that! You may now open the envelope labeled Room 1.