Hey everyone, I was just wandering around the Izumi Settsu province in Assassin's Creed Shadows the other day, minding my own business, when this random NPC comes up to me with a wager. You know how it is with these world events—they just pop up when you least expect it! And let me tell you, this one was a real head-scratcher at first. It's a riddle, and if you get it wrong, you're out 100 Mon. But if you get it right... well, things get interesting. The NPC's location isn't fixed; I found mine near Sakai, but I've heard from other players that they can show up in more remote spots too. It's part of what makes exploring Shadows so fun—you never know who you'll meet.

The wager is simple: solve the riddle and win some cash. The riddle goes like this: "Sucked in from the bottom, it dances in the air. It comes in many colors, but it's not really there. What is it?" 😮

When the NPC asked me, I was given three options:

• Is it a rainbow?

• Is it tobacco smoke?

• Is it the wind?

I'll be honest, my first thought was 'rainbow' because of the colors. But something felt off. Then I remembered seeing pipes and smoking in the game's world. I took a chance... and it paid off!

The correct answer is: "Is it tobacco smoke?" ✅

Let's break down why this is the right choice:

• Sucked in from the bottom: That's how you smoke a pipe or a cigarette.

• Dances in the air: Smoke tends to swirl and float.

• Many colors: Smoke can look white, gray, blue-ish depending on the light and substance.

• Not really there: Smoke is ephemeral; it disperses and vanishes.

If you pick either of the other answers, you instantly lose 100 Mon. 😭 So, remember: tobacco smoke!

Now, here's where it gets really good. You'd think solving the riddle means you just get your reward, right? Wrong! This NPC has some... commitment issues. As soon as you answer correctly, they try to back out of the deal! They start whining about needing the money to pay off debts. Seriously, the audacity! 🤦‍♂️

At this point, you get another choice:

1. "I want my Mon."

2. "You can keep the Mon."

This is a classic moral dilemma in Shadows. What did I do? I let them keep it. Why? Because Mon is actually pretty easy to come by in 2026's version of the game—looting, missions, selling gear, you name it. But the alternative reward? Much more valuable for exploration.

If you choose "You can keep the Mon," the grateful (and probably relieved) NPC will offer you a choice as a thank you:

• Scout Intel: This reveals points of interest, collectibles, or hidden locations in a specific region. Super useful if you're a completionist!

• World Rumor: This gives you a tip about a unique activity, a hidden tale, or a special encounter somewhere in the world. It's like a mini-quest starter.

Honestly, both are way better than 100 Mon. Intel helps you clear the map efficiently, and rumors lead to unique stories and rewards you might otherwise miss. Here's a quick comparison:

My personal recommendation? Always let the NPC keep the Mon and take the intel or rumor. The game throws money at you, but these information rewards are more unique and support the core gameplay loop of exploration and discovery. It's a small act of kindness that the game actually rewards meaningfully.

To sum up this whole encounter:

1. Find the wandering NPC in Izumi Settsu (often near Sakai).

2. Accept the wager and get the riddle.

3. Answer: "Is it tobacco smoke?" (Do not choose rainbow or wind!).

4. When the NPC tries to weasel out, choose "You can keep the Mon."

5. Select either Scout Intel or a World Rumor as your thank-you gift.

It's a tiny moment in the vast world of Assassin's Creed Shadows, but it's these little interactions—with their choices and consequences—that really bring Feudal Japan to life. It’s not just about the main quest; it’s about the stories you stumble into. This one teaches you to listen carefully, be a bit generous, and get rewarded in smarter ways than just cash. Hope this guide helps you next time you get 'sucked into' this riddle! Happy exploring, assassins! ✌️