Thank you from taking away from me this obligation to post a detailed description of the puzzle solution. As you see I am already 2 days late with this
Just got to busy with the CUB DEFI things, they are so attractive. 😀
No time to do what I have to...

BTW, it was entertaining to read, which route the participants been going.
I like the part, where you thought HEX string could be the right answer, but was to short, only 3 words instead of 6 :)

More info why you see this.