Solution to: Rope Retrieval

You can take almost all of the rope. Number the ropes 1 and 2. First, tie the two ropes together so that they form one long rope. Then, climb up rope 1. On rope 2, as close to the ceiling as possible, make a loop. Cut rope 2 right below the loop, pass it through the loop, and then tie it around your waist. Pull rope 2 tight so that you're hanging from the loop, and cut rope 1 (the one you climbed up) right below the ceiling. Then, lower yourself by letting out rope 2. This way, you'll only lose the piece of rope that was used to make the loop.

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