Black Sword

On May 23, 2016, at 10pm EDT, the Shin Megami Tensei: imagine online servers disconnected its players for the last time.The code that created the game is erased. The Demon Busters and their demons are in oblivion.

It wasn't the first time. It doesn't hurt any less. In fact, it might hurt even more now. This time, there aren't any friendly Japanese players joining the dying international server to invite the players to take refuge with them on their game. They're homeless as well.

I don't want to forget all the memories and bonds, but that's the curse of humanity - our limited lives carry only limited recollection of memory. I've written down as many as I could. This is a record, a tiny piece of Akasha, because I cherish those memories.

BEHOLD, MY PEERLESS ARMY. EVEN IN THE DEATH OF THE SERVER, THE WORLD OF SMT IMAGINE WILL REMAIN ALIVE IN OUR HEARTS.

The person we all owe the biggest debt to is Sesshou. He's the man who built the wiki which made it possible for foreigners to even try to play a Japanese game. I met briefly when we first moved to JP and I was there when he was the victim of the first wave ban by Cave. He quit, but the wiki remained, his legacy for all of us.

Our biggest benefactor praised first, I'll be talk about everyone I can remember in no particular order. DoomGuard, Bear, Jester, TheGreyDemon, JonSnow, NightFire, VookyBirdy, Beat~, Jarkore, Somniatas, Zer0, Zeylo, Virtual Sol, Keiguran, Scythe, Phaaze, Fauzan, Supershashi, Keiguran, Skeeter, KingofBel, skeletonarcher, ManoHara, Kismet, Ezio, Ryel, XenoBlaze, T Force, you're all strong players I've adventured with. Perhaps one of the greatest sorrows from the closing of the server is that I will never really get to know you all better. I really hope Arbalest succeeds with the private server so I can try again.

My first clan, the EN clan whose name I don't remember, all of those players between levels 20 and 30, who invited a clueless n00b and leveled him up to 25. Then they all vanished and I waited such a long time for them to return before I had to give up.

CPM, my clan on EN, co-founded with my wonderful peeps, Varete, Cakeo, and wormie. The three of us met on canta-per-me, saw Sword Art Online, decided we wanted in, and after I remembered SMT, here we went! Varete and Cakeo, you were incredible, you kept me moving even when I wanted to be lazy, and my power and my levels are no small testament to your dedication to the game and to your min maxing power. If it had not been for you two, I wouldn't have made it to the end game. In fact, the last SI on ENG was the one you made me. wormie, you studied like a wormbook for so long, but I'm glad you made it to the end of the world. Take it easier and enjoy yourself more, ok? You have to write your novel about DawnBreak!

Thinking of folks who didn't come to JP from CPM, Akarryn! Loved your streams, I need to pester you on Gaia online more. EternallyMoon, your starfish god aka Decarabia fell at my hands, so worship me more! ...I hope you two are ok, I haven't spoken with you in forever.

Nemissa, you were always so nice, it was wonderful. I only got to adventure with you a handful of times because of our time zones, but your presence on Facebook made it seem not as bad. I wish we'd have had more adventures (thank you for Bisha SS!)

Follow, the best mod on EN, always able to step in and help out. I was helping with a project to recreate Follow's gear to entice her to JP when the beginning of the end began...

yachiruuuuuu, always such strong powah! Best unknown cards soloer on EN. Even when I had the cards, I wouldn't do the run unless it was with yachiru. <3

Ieva, did I ever tell you? When I first saw you on EN, it was wearing the counter Messian cloth and my first reaction was "that's really awesome-looking, I want one." Congrats, my style was inspired by you. I hope you finished the game one last time before the end.

Neptunia, master of the succubus, charmingly British gamer, I really wish you'd played more. We had a blast on EN and would have enjoyed JP just as much.

ShadowNight (male), shadowbro, one of the chillest from EN and right into JP... where he became a ChibiReaper. I kid, I kid, you are hilarious, and you were always willing to help out. Thinking of which, were you the one who took me leveling with unknown cards on EN in exchange for caterina ring? I can't remember who that was, but I think it was you.

GodBlade, how the heck do you remember me? We only met really briefly on Aeria! Well, you did, and now, you're stuck with me. Advent, you take good care of him, because I'll be beating him up to improve his morale, and Mediaharan may not be able to keep up with my damage per second! Now, awaken, Ea! Enuma Elish!

Yukimura Atsuke, you were the first friend I made outside of the group I re-entered SMT with. You, the knight in white, me, the knight in black. So many adventures on EN and it took us so long to find each on JP again. It was fun, even if it was sad. Never doubt our friendship again or I'll really get mad at you.

Azuresky aka azuzu~ the nicest West Imper who was ever there. I wish I could have poached you, they didn't deserve you. ...even if every time I invited you on runs, you were always busy XD

Lagunite, your power really helped me in my early days on JP server, when I joined West Imp. I will forever hold over your head the time you, one of the most powerful players in our community, screwed up the Chi You run, killed most of your party, and the only thing that saved you was the legendary meatshield dying for me so I could res you.

Speaking of legendary meatshield, GoldSaint aka goldie, greatest meatshield anyone could ask for! He always took my teasing good-naturedly and he was a reliable friend to run with.

Signum aka Lutecia, the originator of siggy's guide to diaspora, still in use to the very end of JP server. Ty siggy, best guide ever, your efforts and your kindness endure on. '-'7

Kennerz, you well-mannered and likable Brit, my melee rival since EN, I'm glad you were around! Perhaps, one day, we'll do a versus round, your sword against mine. Just don't forget that my collection of legendary blades will always be greater. Also, you SUCK at strip dice. Just saying.

KIT, nymphia, QueenPyro, you gave me a home after I was expelled from my old clan for unfair reasons, so I'm always grateful. When you got tired of leading, you agreed to pass Phoenix into my mastery, and I'm proud to say that we went from almost dead at your departure to thriving right up to the end of the game. It was hard, but totally worth it.

Kimikiyo, you excitable soul, you were huge part of Phoenix's first renewal and the second one as well, along with rhaplanca, Femme, and Kuro, and you are funny, nice, and a bit random, all traits that make you fun to have around.

Femme aka trollestria, always the trolling, always so OP, I'm glad you were around. I wish you and kimi had been there to the end.

Kuro, who came at my call, and stayed with us for a while to the end, thank you! You were a reliable sub and you contributed lots of valuable counsel for which I'm grateful.

rhaplanca, YumiRyuuko, SHAVMAELO, you were part of Phoenix's first renewal, and when you left to form Inspire, I was upset, but I hold no grudge. You obliged me to renew the clan yet again. I'm glad I saw you at the end.

PitifulSoul, man, you're a character. Your whims were highly amusing and as exasperating as it could be, I'm going to miss your random party invites and your trademarked phrase, "let's go adventure!"

Omi, your whims have also been fun and I'm glad I helped you fuse your Gabriel. I hope you showed her off with style.

Babel, Lemlend's rival, Macerate's star pupil, our friendship has always been weird. On EN, you paid for my MC to roll the last FC, and God was on your side, you pulled the rarest item, that freaking spear. I gave it to you and thus established the trust we enjoyed every time we met on JP. Thank you for the Counter Templar Cloth VA, I wore it to the very end.

V17, my fellow Knight of Parvati, mine will forever be better than yours.

Saink, you were my principal provider of SI and synthing for the time I was on JP. Your work was unbeatable in quality and I referred everyone back to you. Thank you for so much of my gear and my power.

Vixy, we ran a lot of runs together with azuzu, but it often felt like there was something sad tugging on you. I strongly wish for you to be relieved of whatever that is so you can be happy!

Yosuke, dude, wtf, man, you ran off to your alt and I never found out until end of game. I thought you quit.


ZeroSolanum, the leader of the BRs on EN, the pain in the butt solo on JP until end of the world, you dumb hue hue hue, you're a great friend. Sure, you were always hitting me up for money, but being in debt is what a good BR does, right? You always paid up... eventually. My favorite memory of you when you dragged me, kicking and screaming, into endless zhu que runs on EN server. I hated that and so did you. When you got zhu que and I asked you why you used it even though you hated it, "After all the hell I went through to get this fucking giant red turkey, I'm going to use it every day!" BTW, Priest Zero is still best Zero.

LILLIE, such a nice German lady. I didn't get to play with you nearly enough, but whenver you were on, you brought a smile to everyone.

Aegis San, you are also an amazingly nice person. Phoenix just lit up whenever you logged on, since we all felt how nice you could be. I wish we'd played more as well!

NARUKAMI125, how many Spanish speakers ended up in your clans because of me over the years? I've lost count. Everytime I invited you on runs, you'd end up being too busy, though. Next time, dammit! :<

joshpheus, the twerking god, Miley Cyrus ain't got nothing on you! Twerk your thunderbolts down on all the small fry demons and don't forget to make your clannies feel at home!

wrath-kun aka wrathknight, you were always glad to be back when you logged on with us and we missed you during the end of the world. I hope wherever you are, people continue to cheerfully welcome you back when you return.

crucru, CrueltyKing, you chill, man. Your name doesn't match your personality. I'd go on runs with you anytime, if I could keep up with your parade of unlimited alts!

hawked, you're another true blue companion ever since EN. You're never afraid to castigate friend or foe on bad behavior, and not because of some superiority complex, but out of loyalty to your friends and your strong belief in justice. I respect that and you.

WestGateSir, you were always eager for runs and I wish we could have done more! It was hard to keep up with your enthusiasm for hard runs.

Pelanca, I'm glad you're my friend. You were an intimidating person on EN; you solo'd gold runs without a sweat, you rarely spoke, and everyone treated you with respect bordering on fear. But on JP, I found the person behind all that OP. I think one of my favorite moments is when you discovered Kumbhunda is actually a woman. I was laughing out loud so hard as you raged. You're a great friend and a great person, so don't let any witches make you miserable, since you deserve far better. Also, you scared the shit out of me with that hospital thing a while back. Don't do that again. I mean it, I'm kicking you in the head if you scare me like that. >:T

rod, I'm glad Pelanca invited you to join us. That crazy Lula skit of yours during diaspora had me dying of laughter and your flights of fancy are hilarious.

Neloc, you came back right in time for the end of the world, and I'm glad you did. Sure, I had to do endless SIs, but you're funny, and I'm glad of your company.

raul, you had it rough. I don't know why you were unpopular, but I always liked you. Whatever flaws people said you had, I thought you had a purity of purpose and sincerity.

Ink, it's true, I only ran with you a few times, but you were never rude or bitchy to me. Like I told you, I don't have any grudge against you and wish you well.

shiocipher, Master of HarunaSayren, ZeroSolanum introduced us and you were fun to run WCs with. Well, except for the mirage bit, but anyway! Good hue hue hue.

phon the cerb lord, you made me crack up any number of times while you were raising your cerb. Also, making me res your cerb so you didn't lose SP.

Fuyukaze009, you're an incredibly generous and giving soul. You don't have much in this world besides a deep ocean of sorrow, but you share what you have anyway. You're a good person and you deserve to have happiness. Don't let the pettiness of this world keep you mired in despair.

LILLET aka lilletu, I'm gonna pester you much on skype because of all the stuff we should have done but didn't!

chidi-chaaaaaaaan, how am I supposed to stalk stalk stalk you now? ; A; I can't leave you chocos and pastries anymore ;A ; You are so much fun to tease, but it's not the same outside SMT ; A ;

OMNI aka Ozymandias, the great LB shot from EN, the great debtor on JP. You still owe me 100m, vanishing act or no! Hope you and your son are doing well.

Thinking of fathers, kageokamiruiner, the melee with a mouth, the other Phoenix melee. I hope you and yours are also well.

Kenz, often mistaken for Kennerz, might Tower soloer, old guard EN... why so much p3nis?

ShadowNight (female) aka shaaaaadyyyyyy, mai waifuuuuu.... is so much fun to troll lol. Thank you for joining so many of our diasporas and bringing DemonCry with you. Dia is more fun with more people. ^_^

RockDuke, the LightHunter, once of RANGERS on EN, then Baron on JP, man, you're a good kid. I'm still mad you made me take over dia at the end because you couldn't do the end of the world, but eh, I'll forgive you. Eventually.

Xiyne, I thought you were a dude, but you're a lady, so, uh, ooops? Either way, thanks for making Dia easier when Rocky ran those before he dumped that job on me.

Darcos! Always filled with good cheer and ready for a run or two, even when you really wanted sleep.

Luxlunae, I'm glad I bumped into you. I don't even remember how, but I managed to give you a home in Phoenix after you'd been wandering lonely for so long. You were a great person for the clan and I'm sure MiniLux and BabyLux will appreciate what a great mommy they have. Not right away, though, sometime after college.

074n3r, I never got to ask, but was your name supposed to be Otner? We were rarely on at the same time, but like so many in Phoenix, we got along well.

makyura1993, we met twice, and always torward the end of the servers. On JP, we met for the first at H3, where you asked for help on Kumbhunda. I couldn't help you, but pointed you in the right direction. The second time, we met at Nakano campsite. We spent an hour just talking about what we did on both servers and accepted that we'd find our own ways to meet the end of the world.

maduroEduardo, you frustrated me here and there because you lacked knowledge, but you meant well, which is more important. Good intentions matter far more than the great power many players wielded poorly.

divineswordsman, you were OP, but you were willing to help whenever I asked, so I can forgive you for being stronger than me. :P Keep on chilling, divi, and keep on helping others.

crispy, lover of bullets, you were insanely OP. Don't mind Eikichi, he's totally jealous. Runs with you were funny as all get.

Eikichi, I'd make the usual joke, but I don't know how many SJWs lurk on this page, and they'd turn an in-joke into a crime against whatever. But you already know what I'm gonna say, Satan hunter, so I'll just say, "Congratulations on overcoming that futanari bastard!"

Zennou, you secret troll, we're on to you! Thanks for always being up for runs in the end of the world and for the laughter you brought. Now, stop deleting messages, dammit!

YAMAMOTO, you were always chill. I wished we'd had more runs to know each other.

Aerelis, keeper of plushies, gimme Kuroe plushie nao! Also, strip dice was the dumbest, funnest thing! I'm glad you finished your polty. :3

SONYA, BLOOD FOR THE BLOOD GOD, BE OUR DIASPORA SACRIFICE! YOUR DEMISE MEANS OUR VICTORY. Congrats on finishing Mothman.

Jpcobalt, I ran with you in the early days of JP server, but lost track of you until the end of the world. You're pretty funny, so I'm glad you joined our group.

Calista, the maid with attitude, make sure to clean out Astaroth's blood from the linens later, ok?

chirp, you pyromaniac, our skype conversations are hilarious, educational, and occasionally borderline surreal. If I ever get access to a 3D printer, I'll try to print that model you made of my avatar.

Vampire from EN, you were super chill, and I think you preferred to be chilling than grinding or doing runs.

To EvanescentMirage and to Masterofcards, you were amusing.

Sepokterjang, you were a reticent kind of player, but I got on well with you and wished we could have done more runs together.

liromael, Rec, HellWyrm, Maouwolf, HoneyBoy, Sensumi, SakuraHiragi, RedBlade, Grimfang, I wish I'd known all of you, my clannies, better.

YuukiChi, stop sleeping so much when everyone wants you to join their runs, especially Diaspora!

Diarmait, RedVenom, Maihara, Lemlend, thanks for joining us at the last moments of JP Server.

Again, I'm sorry if I forgot you and failed to name you here. Know that our adventures carry on in my spirit.