Who are Stephen and the Axiom: SMT Lore

This is a topic is something that not many shin megami tensei fans might think of, but is always in the back of our minds. Who is Stephen in smt, and what in the multiverse is the axiom? In this concise smt lore video I will be answering those exact questions. Shin megami tensei revolves around the multiverse of Amala, the infinite universes of the smt games. shin megami tensei's Stephen or Steven depending on the game, is the seemingly all powerful right hand man of the great will. The great will is the creator of the amala network multiverse connecting all of the shin megami tensei games together. While I give a lot of information in this video, there is still plenty to discuss about these two characters. Simply who Stephen and the Axiom are warrants a 10 minute video, let alone what they do in every appearance. That is a big part about why I love shin megami tensei though and I won't be wanting for video ideas. I always strive for a better understanding of the shin megami tensei series lore, understanding Stephen, the axiom, and the great will, are at the core of understanding the multiverse and interconnected worlds of shin megami tensei. A majority of the screenshots and footage will be from shin megami tensei 4 though other shin megami tensei games will be refered back to. Stephen and the Axiom are referenced in tons of shin megami tensei games and the smt lore behind them will be unvieled today. I love sharing smt lore and shin megami tensei is one of my favorite series ever. I hope my passion for shin megami tensei is shown here and you learned more about smt lore with Stephen and the axiom. If you have anything you'd like to know about shin megami tensei lore let me know. I hope you like this episode of SMT lore and I'll see you in the next Tony4You.
#smt #smtlore
Stephen is the wheelchair bound well dressed man who appears in plenty of SMT games, most notably SMT 1, 2, 4, and Apocalypse, where he is explicitly stated as the creator of the demon summoning program. This man foresaw the demon’s inevitable invasion of earth and sought out strong individuals to use the program in SMT 1 and 2. In 4 and apocalypse the demon summoning program is far more widespread to the general populace as the demon invasion is well underway in those games, but he still makes an appearance when a noticeably strong willed individual appears. The main characters of these games catch his eye as people that can change the course of the world, which seems to be his ultimate goal. The worlds created don’t seem to be of any consequence as he helps you regardless of alignment. Not only is he the creator of the demon summoning program, but also the terminals that allow instantaneous teleportation throughout Japan as well as the Abyss. While he was experimenting with this invention he was travelling through the expanse, a world of demons and spirits, and was confronted by an entity. Stephen could not comprehend the creature's language and the interaction became hostile, resulting in Stephen being crippled. This event eventually spurred Stephen into creating the demon summoning program prior to the events of Shin Megami Tensei. This software when downloaded to a COMP allows real time translation of demonic and spiritual tongues, automatic mapping of the surroundings, and most importantly, the storage of demons for personal use. Stephen foresaw the destruction of Tokyo and distributed the demon summoning program, and the rest I’m sure you’re all familiar with by now. In the original Shin Megami Tensei you find him imprisoned in the Echo building prior to the bombs falling and save him, afterwards he rarely makes appearances other than to upgrade the player’s program, so presumably he is hard at work behind the scenes. In Shin Megami tensei 2 he appears only in the battle simulators scattered throughout the main cities of the games. He approaches Hawk and offers the demon summoning program as he once again foresees a great calamity to befall Tokyo. Stephen makes appearances in almost every mainline game with the exception of SMT 3 Nocturne and Strange Journey. SMT 1, 2, if… kinda, 4, 4 Apocalypse, and even SMT NINE. He is often the catalyst by which the adventure starts and afterwards just… disappears, Even his cat Schrodinger can speak and has immense power as seen in Digital Devil Saga. So this begs the question. Who is Stephen really? Well it isn’t a trick question, he really is just a human, a genius granted, but a human nonetheless, but the source of his immense knowledge can be explained by talking about our next point of interest, the Great Will, or The Axiom.

[@Tony4You]

Music used in order: Puzzling - Persona Q2 Freedom and Security - Persona 5 Shinjuku Underground District - SMTIV Everyday Detective Agency - SMT Raidou 2

[@Mast3rLand3r]

Search for d'wAve computer quantum, he talks about aliens

[@Mast3rLand3r]

Is Stephen hawkings

[@MadKat197]

I think the reason Stephen isnt in SMT5 is because Stephan Hawking passed away awhile ago... The Japanese of something of a rule if they can help it they dont put them in let alone their VA... (I could be half off with some of this btw) But i dont think we are gonna see how transcendent wheelchair super genius boi anytime soon...

[@ProfessionalNamielleLewder69]

Everyone actin' like a Messiah until the cripple stands up and yeets singularities in your face.

[@Tony4You]

😳😳😳 uh oh

[@birdofterror6628]

Woe, galaxies upon you.

[@uhoh7545]

@@Tony4You yeah?

[@VendreadMike95]

🤣🤣🤣

[@zadalmelik011]

Then one Singularity Wave and you're kapput!

[@puppetgeneral39]

Stephen Hawking: This is my OC Stephen. He’s more powerful than God and can travel between universes.

[@vardiganxpl1698]

I like to think that this is canon

[@chaosdirge4906]

I don't think this is Canon. As we understood the Canon before Stephen basically became close to the axiom. And the axiom is the true God of the multiverse. It use to be that from what we understood the axiom doesn't like the gods in the universes it creates and just kind of likes to mess with them by creating messiah. If Stephen really wanted to test the limits of pur humanity he should have tested the demon marine. Because he was the only one not created specifically to be a messiah, he just kind of happened.

[@jackour8167]

@@chaosdirge4906 That doesn't matter at all. Every protagonist in the series is by default a "messiah" because why do they have more potential than their fellows? That's the reason.

[@chaosdirge4906]

@@jackour8167 no the axiom, directly creates the ones designated as messiah according to the old lore. It does matter to an extent. Those specific people considered messiah were created specifically do the will of the axiom from what I recall. Which makes it weird that the axiom would try to remove them from the reincarnation cycle. According to this dlc. It does kind of matter it conflicts with things. It would make more sense for the marine to be who he fought because he was entirely unplanned according to what we k ow about him he is the peak of human potential.

[@jackour8167]

@@chaosdirge4906 dude... The Axiom didn't create them. Kazuya was just a normal dude, Aleph was created by the archangels, Demi-Fiend was crafted by Lucifer, Flynn and Nanashi were planned by the Axiom, I'll give you that. EVERY protagonist, is considered a messiah. Otherwise they wouldn't have more potential and growth speed than their allies. The dlc is definitely canon. It doesn't reflect on anything.

[@matteodidonatantonio]

Stephen's mom:"Stephen come in the kitchen the dinner is ready!" Stephen:not now mom i am transcending humanity and joining the will of the multiverse

[@DragoonBB]

Ah yes the most dangerous demon imaginable. Jack Frost with a gun.

[@joshuaatehortua7352]

You just heed your last ho

[@AndrewBlechinger]

Gonna fill you full of hee-holes.

[@Konfide4043]

*Nahobeeho has entered the chat.*

[@goldenmajin4073]

"Wheelchair bound" until it's time to throw hands with messiah teenagers

[@Tony4You]

He became abled 😳

[@OracleOfSyrinx]

"More games like Strange Journey" I see you're a true patrician.

[@Tony4You]

I've been waiting for fellow kings in the comments 👑

[@maverickkillmore2996]

Based

[@304Blaise]

@@Tony4You strange journey 1st person dungeons in modern graphics would be the sickest possible direction they could take SMT6 imo. That game is so god damn good

[@dolphinboi-playmonsterranc9668]

"Wheelchair-bound" Nah, he uses it for style. Jack: Heeho! Stephen: Heehuh? Jack: *How fucking dare you.*

[@PhileasLiebmann]

Jack: "What? My mother was a saint! Get out!"

[@mrluthfians01]

@@PhileasLiebmann is that futurama ref

[@PhileasLiebmann]

@@mrluthfians01 ye

[@FoieGras]

It's no wonder he was based on the REAL Steven Hawkings. The man's a WARRIOR! 🖖🧑‍🦼🧑‍🔬

[@jellyface401]

I have a similar Theory, from my point of view Stephen is not a friend of the axiom but someone that through SCIENCE was able to understand the Axiom and with that he was able to trascend the cycle of death and rebirth but in a sense by becoming a "constant" in an everchanging reality he gained incredible power but at the same time became bent to different rules, explaining why he requires to approach his actions indirectly. Now In my mind Stephen knows that being in the "good" side of the axiom has it's benefits but truly believes humans can reach higher hights.

[@Tony4You]

Very interesting, I can definitely see where you're coming from and would be inclined to agree for the most part. While it is impossible to say for sure I too think Stephen has his own agenda separate from the Great Will, but understands it on a philosophical/mechanical level.

[@ils4844]

SMT IVA's artbook interview stuff kinda hinted at this I think, iirc they stated that Stephen only caught a glimpse of the Axiom's plans and reinterpreted it for his own goals or something.

[@Argonisgema]

I feel like the moment we actually fight the axiom and win the moment the smt series itself would end cause if its the ever constant change in how we get to play all these games then killing it would mean ending the cycle of change which means . . . well no more games cause where would you go from there?

[@randyrhoades8751]

@@Argonisgema We technically already did with the Last Bible series.

[@Argonisgema]

@@randyrhoades8751 Well i guess that would explain why we haven't had a new last bible game since then.

[@aeonthecrownlessking2934]

Stephen reminds me of Philemon cause both of them give the protagonist's COMP/Personas, warns them of a great calamity, and even fight them.

[@Tony4You]

In a sense they are both otherworldly helpers that "can't interfere" it makes sense

[@brotbrotsen1100]

@@Tony4You Does the existence of the Amala network mean that every universe is connected in a way? Like is there a theoretical possibility to traverse Amala starting in the Tokyo of SMT 4 and end up in the Tokyo of persona 5? Also is there any explanation why, besides of strange journey as far as I'm aware, Tokyo is always the place where everything goes down? I mean every messiah was Japanese and in nocturne only people with a reason could shape the world, and all of them where from Tokyo. Might be nice to see something on a grander scale someday, not that I'm complaining, it's just a bit weird.

[@donaldn5798]

@@brotbrotsen1100 Amala multiverse is a theory from my understanding

[@quint2568]

@@donaldn5798 no its clearly stated by the lady in black

[@justsomeone3962]

@@quint2568 also in anarchy ending for apocalypse another universes are mentioned

[@skylernguyen8600]

9:00 can we even say that we won that fight though? Pretty sure he was like "ok that's good enough" and then just left. Honestly, i wonder just how strong he is. Is it even possible to kill the guy

[@Tony4You]

Lol yeah that is probably a more accurate way to put it. He just let us off the hook after the hardest battle in the game. He's one with the multiverse so I doubt we can do anything about him.

[@demi-femme4821]

@@Tony4You Now if he had brought the Strange Journey protagonist...

[@kinder_guerriero_4082]

I don't know a lot about the dlc but didn't he say he would go all out during the fight?

[@DjDannyD88]

I'm curious if Stephen will make a surprise appearance in SMTV when it comes out.

[@Tony4You]

Maybe, it doesn't look like the Nahobino has a comp though. Hopefully he or the Great Will are mentioned in some way.

[@MrAnonymous245]

@@Tony4You While Nahobino doesn't have a COMP, it's mentioned in some trailers that the other human characters have one.

[@Tony4You]

@@MrAnonymous245 Ah yeah that's true! I wonder if it will be an important part. I'm holding out hope

[@louaidz1929]

Maybe as a future dlc

[@Pduarte79]

Would be cool.

[@seth7726]

He's my favorite character of the whole franchise and while I think he might not be present in SMT V, it is always nice to see such things as him being aware of all of the universes. To put into perspective, we can take the Messiahs in the Diamond Realm DLC quest, were he made contact with Demi-fiend even though these two never met in Nocturne or anywhere else. For a human to be able to comprehend such things as the Axiom/Great Will, a non-sentient entity that rules all over the multiverse, and still be alive, and on top of that become as strong as it, while still being an ally of humanity... What a cool character!

[@Tony4You]

Absolutely agree, I love the story behind the story of the SMT games. Stephen is an almighty being, yet the only thing he seemed to care about was benefitting the human race. He's the hero we needed

[@tryinglyon]

It's honestly hilarious that the biggest power move in SMT is a crippled man standing up from his chair

[@Tony4You]

Peak character development when that is the jaw dropping moment of the story lol

[@GIRru11]

"Allows real time translation" That explains so much. Several games pretty mucb confirmed that half of the demons speak in growls and other sounds. I always wondered how the protagonists who aren't part demon themselves could understand them

[@Bulzeeb15]

Makes me want an SMT game where we play as Stephan and his quest to ascending to meet the Great Will

[@Tony4You]

A prequel game would blow my mind, but I think they want to keep things secretive. Alas

[@heavyc4450]

A game like that would have Stephen add and modify demon summoning programs like fusion apps or saving/creating demons or humans learning demonic magic.

[@AlonzoTompkins]

You ever just run into Stephen Hawking and then he stands up to beat you to death because the Jack Frost that took out his knee caps is hanging out with you because you crushed a rock with your bare hands.

[@Tony4You]

Only once, but I'll never forget it. I just wanted to prove myself to Jack

[@OneColdRepublican]

8:58 He got out of his chair just so he can cripple EVERYONE ELSE. GOD THAT FIGHT SENT SHIVERS DOWN MY SPINE.

[@melinoe1242]

I've always interpreted the Axiom and its relation to YHVH in terms of computers or programming. You can think of the Axiom as the actual computer hardware of reality or the central processing unit, whereas YHVH or the equivalent beings in each universe are more akin to an operating system - one that can become corrupted or dysfunctional and needs to be dismantled or rebooted. Stephen guides humans with the potential to change the landscape of the universe towards this goal whenever some inherent flaw in the system becomes too problematic to ignore. This would explain why he seems to favour Neutral paths but ultimately isn't *too* concerned with the outcome. It would also explain the prevalence of Gnostic themes in the series, as the gods of Law are not truly the absolute being, but rather a gradient that arises from that ultimate source. Digital Devil Saga 2's plot in particular stands out to me as a shining example of how this theory/system could pan out - the solar data in that universe becomes corrupted through experimentation, and heroes arise to face that universe's avatar of the Axiom before it can succumb fully to the corrupting influence and develop the same megalomaniacal tendencies that we see in YHVH.

[@NickOleksiakMusic]

Very well put!

[@hoshi314]

what if Stephen in SMTV as hidden boss, but immediately stands up when the fight start right off the bat. Imagine that

[@Tony4You]

I still see Stephen standing in my nightmares. If he starts the battle like that Nahobino better have level cap DLC like in Apocalypse lol

[@drowningin]

Then we'll sit his As back down!

[@hansword]

Nahobino achieved the nigh-impossible itself, so I imagine Stephen would be very impressed, and would take him seriously right off the bat.

[@AndrewBlechinger]

Good news: No Stephen. Bad news: Instead Demi-fiend and Shiva(!) give us the bad touch.

[@Crimsononon]

Wake up bae new Tony vid Fun fact, he only appears on games that the MCs has his program, good capitalism man

[@Tony4You]

Stephen may be transcended but he is still on his grind

[@vanilla8956]

I know this is a joke but this is starting to make me think what if that's because he IS his program? Like, the Demon Summoning Program is like an internet universe that he is the "Great Will" of

[@Tony4You]

@@vanilla8956 Interesting theory. We do know Stephen found a way to render physical matter into data like I said in the video. It is possible if we take that further, that Stephen incorporated himself fundamentally with the code of said program and the terminals themselves. Interconnecting his consciousness with the multiverse. Thought I can't say for sure lol

[@vanilla8956]

@@Tony4You I don't know if you've ever heard of it but there's a popular theory that there is zero proof that our real life as we know it isn't an advanced computer simulation. Theoretically there isn't really a limitation to how real and perfect a computer can render something, if it was a computer the size of a universe, and with the most advanced computing power we haven't even achieved yet, that system could very well simulate a universe just like the one we live in. Perhaps Steven's ascension is based on "figuring this out" or something like that. You could even take it a step further and say he's become a self aware video game character because of it. But that's stretching a bit and might be a little too undertale for him. lol

[@Tony4You]

@@vanilla8956 We're reaching levels of meta I didn't think was possible for SMT. Interesting theory

[@Jack-lo5me]

Bruh, god damn this is good. I’ve been BEGGING for anyone to make videos like this. Explanations on the Bel Demons, now Steven and The Axiom… I will be watching your channel with great interest.

[@Tony4You]

Appreciate the support lol. Hope I can keep everyone interested

[@drowningin]

Yes I subbed too. Saw a video yesterday, then this today and both great

[@LordHonkInc]

I love the nonchalance of "Hi. I'm not a demon." Couldn't get to the point quicker than that. Also, just to add to the speculation with some real-world concepts: As far as consensus among experts goes (and even then it's not without discourse), one of the fundamental physical principles is the move towards equilibrium. You might've heard about entropy only ever increasing in a closed system, meaning that, for example, a glass each of hot and cold water in a sealed room will eventually reach the same temperature in both... but without external intervention, that process doesn't reverse itself. Maybe the Axiom's "duty", for lack of a better word, is to keep things in motion (as mentioned in the video). If the laws of nature require an endless moving towards stagnation, it needs an endless, supernatural force to keep the ball rolling, so to speak. Maybe I'm speculating too much, but the entropy principle and the concept of the "heat death of the universe" was a topic discussed way before SMT came to be, so I can't rule out that the writers took inspiration from it either.

[@Tony4You]

It's an interesting theory nonetheless. It seems we agree on the axiom's motive, but at the end of the day no one but Stephen really knows lol

[@manuelcamara6400]

You're insight in the franchise's lore is astounding. Like actually.

[@Tony4You]

Thanks that means a lot. Appreciate the support!

[@PhoenixFlame321]

The Great Will: "Stop making me revive the facist tyrant!" Humanity: "No! We want Sky Daddy!" The Great Will: (Groan) (Revives YHWH)

[@constantinb4592]

YHWH : I'M BACK BITCHES !

[@PhoenixFlame321]

@@constantinb4592 The Great Will: (Sigh) (Creates a new messiah)

[@christopherbravo1813]

Demi-Fiend: Hi. *shoots the Great Will in the face*

[@marshalllee4157]

@@christopherbravo1813The Great Will: *Ends and destroys the entire universe*

[@christopherbravo1813]

@@marshalllee4157 *Demi-Fiend is still alive 'cause reasons*

[@NamsCompendium]

Another banger! Keep up the great work

[@Tony4You]

Thanks a lot, appreciate the support!

[@covids12345]

ok?

[@yourface2464]

I don't really know if this is helpful or adds much to the topic, but in SMT: Imgaine, there's a unique dungeon called the Denshi Kairo, or electronic circuit. It's a computer terminal program that you gain access to by reading an SOS message sent by Stephen, who already has been confirmed to exist in the game prior, same reasoning as every other SMT game by creating the comp system. He says he's been imprisoned in the system and asked to be rescued. The dungeon itself is partially time gated, and is something you slowly complete over the course of days to weeks. And it frequently was expanded on it updated, pushing the end further. It's a shame the actual end to the dungeon was never created, so you never actually *find* Stephen. But I find it interesting that he's effectively had an accident and gotten trapped in a terminal in this iteration. It's also strange, seeing how the demonic invasion is already underway in Imagine.

[@Tony4You]

That's interesting actually. I never played Imagine before and refrained from mentioning it due to that reason. Glad to heard there is lore in it important to the series., even if it is unfinished

[@kennethwilliams543]

Man I miss SMT imagine I adored that game RIP to one of the only Mmo's to have me friending for fiends.

[@yourface2464]

@@kennethwilliams543 you can still play it. There's a private server called re:imagine. Pretty active too

[@blindedjourneyman]

@@yourface2464 thank you for the info, I may have to go visit :)

[@officegossip]

Stephen is the 🐐 I wish he was in more games. Definitely my favorite character in the franchise.

[@sorenduscai]

I love SMT and I’m super appreciative of your channel after seeing this video. Super rare to see someone talk megaten with this much depth

[@Tony4You]

Thanks I really appreciate it. I hope you continue to watch when I put out more megaten content!

[@wsndnnxn7386]

Dropping my algorithm booster! Love the videos and can't wait to see more!

[@officegossip]

Every time the Great Will is brought up, it’s hard not to get super anxious that such a frightening and gnostic idea might be reality.

[@Tony4You]

Honestly yeah, this whole great unknowable will is a lot to wrap your head around

[@oni91119]

Please never stop uploading, keep these bangers going you earned a new subscriber. Its always nice to explore the lore of megaten since its such a huge franchise! Great video 👍👍

[@Tony4You]

Hey thanks! Means a lot, and I'll definitely keep videos like this coming in the future

[@merciless972]

When your a persona fan, and stumbled upon the boss theme for smt 4, and now your going in deep in rabbit hole for smt and enjoying the ride.

[@Tony4You]

Glad to have you aboard. I love persona, but just can't resist the mountains of lore to get into with SMT. Hope you like it

[@alvarogarcia4952]

Pretty good videos, keep It going my dude

[@gynesiseffect907]

You forgot to mention he also appears in SMT IF in one ending.

[@Tony4You]

Yes I omitted talking about his appearances in SMT if... as well as SMT NINE. I thought there wasn't much to say for either of them and cut it for the sake of brevity. The section on him still stands with both of those games in mind though. Hope you enjoyed the video nonetheless

[@piti368]

Man, really great video :)

[@Chasingchibi]

Dude I just found your channel and I absolutely love it!! I'm gonna watch all these videos back to back just to support your views!

[@Tony4You]

Thanks so much, it means a lot! The support recently has been great

[@SilverSuisei]

I love videos like these. This one is very well done. I could listen to you for hours.

[@Tony4You]

Thanks, that means a lot! The support recently is amazing and I'm trying to make more videos for people to enjoy. Glad you enjoyed the video

[@SilverSuisei]

@@Tony4You Take as long as you need to to make them. I like your idea of being concise and too the point. But if you ever wanna push the length to like 30 minutes or hell even an hour, i'd watch that too

[@vicneti]

banger vid king

[@Tony4You]

Thanks for the support brother. You dropped this 👑

[@yourdad1165]

I just found your channel and I'm surprised you don't have more subscribers. Great video dude!

[@Tony4You]

Thanks for the support! I appreciate the people that enjoy my content and hope more will come, I hope I can keep making good stuff for the whole megaten community

[@dutchielander2478]

So, our real world Steven is no longer with us, so i really hope we won't get overrun by demons in 2022

[@TORchic1]

Maybe he'll return and send us all the Demon Summoning Program via our social media.

[@shaboskinator6344]

I mean personally I interpret the axiom in a more positive light, seeing more of a divide between it and yhvh, since the axiom produced these protagonists to possibly mess with yhvh. But that’s just my idea, yours seems way more thought out. And it’s honestly the best summarization of smt.

[@agsdragon5475]

I agree. In fact, that is how I see God. Someone likes to bring constant change to the world and allows them to grow and develop

[@christopherbravo1813]

It *also* orchestrated the conflict between law and chaos from the get-go. in *every* reality.

[@lostone4654]

Dont know why it took me all these years until this very moment to realize this is Stephen Hawkins

[@albertwesker5674]

Dope video. Subbed my guy.

[@Tony4You]

Thanks king 👑

[@covids12345]

crazy video haha good bro

[@Tony4You]

Thanks brother👑

[@elricengquist9989]

Well one thing i have always thought is that law/order and chaos are two extremely bad things in extremes. The reason is that too much order leads to stagnation, while too much chaos leads to entropy, and in the end both will lead to eventual destructions as things either fall apart or become too out of control to remain stable. Yet both of these aspects are needed to have a stable world since you need order to build a stable area, but also you need that chaos to add some unpredictability to keep things from growing too stagnant, and in this way the Axiom is maintaining the balance to keep works in a stable procession forwards.

[@Tony4You]

Absolutely the idea I think Stephen is trying to convey in a very passive way. Neutral leads to grander societies

[@cynicalducky1041]

Makes sense especially in SMT 4, Stephen shows up instead of Luci or Merkabah when the MC is in the monochrome forest (implying that he is the representative for the neutral route) and it fits later on in the game where he praises Flynn and tells him the truth about the little girl being the goddess of Tokyo and how to restore her with the help of Masakado.

[@christopherbravo1813]

@@Tony4You and to prove his point, he sends hordes of people from Tokyo to try and kill you knowing full well that they'll die in the attempt.

[@brickwall7960]

another banger

[@Tony4You]

Thanks wall-kun

[@thekidnexttome1]

It is by the great will that I have subscribed and smashed that mf like button

[@Tony4You]

Bless you oh great will for willing this persona to my videos. Thanks for the support

[@thekidnexttome1]

@@Tony4You I gotchu bruv

[@SilentVinyl]

Fascinating

[@instantramen4588]

He's so strong even his wheelchair can dodge attacks

[@Nicius-]

When man in wheelchair stand up you have two options: Run Run very fast

[@scarlight3852]

We've all thought about Stephen vs YVYH but, like Demi-Fiend vs YVYH. Demi-Fiend the man who jumps universes to throw hands with Messiahs and Stephen the man who jumps universes to basically assure Messiahs can be Messiahs.

[@bogus8591]

Demi-Fiend would crush Yhvh.

[@christopherbravo1813]

I have my own addendum. in Devil Survivor 2, one of the major plot points is the "Administrator System", in which a single entity oversees the creation, life, and destruction of a world, creating the next world in accordance with the predominant ideology of the humans that exist at the time of the current world's end. This, as one could imagine, is awfully similar to the Conception of Nocturne and the Mandala System of V. the Administrator itself serves a role identical to that of God and the various god-like beings that appear throughout the franchise, and it is stated (not sure if this is in the actual game, but it is recorded on the wiki) that the Administrator will eventually be replaced by a new Administrator who will continue to perpetuate the cycle. rather similar to how in SMT V, and many other SMT games for that matter, the reigning "God" is overthrown and occasionally replaced by a new "God". heck, Polaris and Alcor are basically DS2's God and Lucifer. and then there's Record Breaker, which introduces Canopus-a being who I refer to as an "Overseer" due to having a great deal of authority over the Administrative System and the universe itself, including the authority to create and assign Administrators in order to maintain the System's integrity. due to the similarity of the Administrative System to the process of endless Death and Rebirth orchestrated by the Great Will, the uncanny similarities between DS2's administrator and God, as well as Canopus's power and authority over the Administrators, I believe the Administrative System to be the Great Will's Conception by another name, and that Canopus is in fact an agent of the Great Will, perhaps even one on the same level as Stephen himself. and if this turns out to be true, that would have a number of implications. 1. it is possible for a world to exist outside of the Great Will 2. agents of the Great Will, even Stephen, can be surpassed and even killed 3. the endless cycle of death and rebirth is not necessarily for mankind's benefit 4. Nocturne's Lucifer is most likely aware of *all of this.* anyone can take this how they will. as for me, however, I am of the belief that whatever "advancement" humanity is planned to undergo is not worth an eternity that consists of dying, having one's identity completely erased, and being born again. and as much as I hate Lucifer, I agree with him on one thing: the Great Will *MUST* be overthrown.

[@xRocketzFighterx]

After recompleting Nocturne but in HD this time. I've gone and started playing through SMT 4 and Apocalypse and was intrigued by this mysterious man. So once I'm done completing SMT5. I'm going to the original first game for the first time. I'm glad that SMT has been getting more popular these days so hopefully more people get to play others that aren't just Nocturne or persona as much as I enjoy those games.

[@gibas_3177]

With my little knowledge os SMT I believe the axion is an allegory for atlus, justifying the existence of many universe and saying "there will be as many universes as we make games", in all honesty, I think it works great as a justification but it will fail miserably if they work with as a entity that has their own motives etc.

[@Tony4You]

Probably the most likely theory. The ultimate deciding factor in the reality of a game is the creators of it at the end of the day lol

[@J_Nasty]

Ask and you shall receive. Thanks for this.

[@Tony4You]

The first request video turned out well. Glad people are liking it!

[@TheRockBoS]

Everyone gangsta until Stephen stands up.

[@pqulxv3810]

yuuuuup... subscribed..

[@Tony4You]

Thanks for the support!

[@RePhantomz]

Yeah talk about axiom is always interesting. It is implied there is several attempt to againts axiom that both luci and yhvh attempt to do. But it appears it knows and allow it to happens. So it most likely already know about steven shenenigan. And if we learn from devil survivor 2, it can simply revived its avatar instantly like what hapened to polaris instead it let kagutsuchi stay dead. It have more leverage then ppl think of. So i think even the death of world in smt 3 and the rise of bel lord in devil survivor is still on his intended schenario. Heck it can stop hitoshura right after his 1st candle but it decided to wait untill the very late to send metatron.

[@christopherbravo1813]

I mean, it's been establish that the Great Will is practically mindless.

[@RePhantomz]

@@christopherbravo1813 Dont know where this "established" mindless come from. I dont remember reading any lore mentioning it being mindless.

[@christopherbravo1813]

@@RePhantomz didn't Stephen outright say it?

[@Xenosaga]

6:50 struggle 😔 grind 🏋️‍♂️ shine ✨

[@Tony4You]

Stephen is a certified sigma male 💪😎

[@utswriter]

While watching something came to me. The SMT series can be summed up with the riddle what is greater than god and worse than the devil? Man, in the SMT series as the protagonists we can become a being worse than the devil or better than god. Or maybe this applies to Stephen here. Who knows

[@RowdyBoy82]

3:30 this screen shot/now wallpaper alone just earned you a like and a sub! (plus SMT content) Source?

[@Tony4You]

I found all of it by googling "tool album art" lol. Thanks for the support!

[@TheZintastic]

Me trying to comprehend there was a time when a demon was able to actually CRIPPLE Stephen... And nowdays I can launch all nukes of every existing universe at him and he'd be like; "hehee, pretty lights"

[@Tony4You]

Don't ever give up. If Stephen could have gotten almost killed by a jack frost and come back stronger, so can you!

[@Reddotzebra]

The reason is probably that he is a transcended human. This fact alone basically means that he's surpassing anything in either the order or chaos camp, since he's got unfettered free will.

[@christopherbravo1813]

and yet he's still at the beck and call of a giant eyeball.

[@Enuocale]

I think people are overthinking the great will. It's a plot device that allows any religious belief to be true. That's why its main association is empowering human belief. So it's both a source and summation if reality. But what it does is contingent on the actions of those within reality. It doesn't really have a mind of it's own, except in a latent abstract collective sense.

[@Tony4You]

If anything I think you're probably right lol. It might just be reality itself personified

[@CrimsonFrenchie]

@@Tony4You Here's the thing though, the Great Will is an actual boss in Last Bible

[@jackour8167]

David you're literally the last person anyone wants an opinion from.

[@Enuocale]

@@jackour8167 You know this isn't a powerscaling video right? Powerscalers who don't understand the games might be baffled by things I say, but normal fans don't have that problem.

[@susanoo8468]

This is so creepy in a “cosmic, the universe s bigger than I’ll ever get to know” kind of way to me…Probably because of the mention of the great will over YHVH lol. This video’s feel is why I love SMT. It makes me think and theorize and question and wonder.

[@Tony4You]

Yeah the enormity of the multiverse really is oppressive. Can't blame anyone for being overwhelmed

[@yungatticus2325]

Dude made a whole video about Mac

[@Tony4You]

😳 Ain't no way

[@Crimsononon]

Hi atti

[@ils4844]

oh hi atti

[@IosLocarth]

Videos like this about Stephen and the Axiom hit different after Marsh's Last Bible video

[@maaster4394]

Truly based video

[@Tony4You]

Thank you king 👑

[@okto4201]

Stephen looks like he has been waiting for this

[@TheKHC]

When you nae nae god as a cripple Bottom text

[@Tony4You]

Everyone gangster until he stands up and starts casting trisagion

[@pigsplayinggames]

Ah Axiom, god of Tool album art

[@Tony4You]

Best depiction I could find lol, also nice Danganronpa pfp

[@Andrew-Gomez904]

i literally was thinking about whats up with this guy like 3 days ago! thanks for the video!

[@Tony4You]

No problem! Glad I could be helpful to some people

[@gtsavestheday6569]

Digital Devil Story came before SMT, it’s what inspired it’s creation. In that story the demon summon program was created by a high school student who promptly loses control of the demons he summons and is subsequently killed. I wonder how or if Stephen plays a part in that or how the different sources of the programs creation can be rectified with that knowledge.

[@icefiredragon94]

This was nice! I was thinking along a similar line for the Axiom's purpose where it's meant to keep changing things through making heroes, but instead it was humanity's potential to change a certain universe instead. Always seemed weird to me while Neutral endings tend to be the ideal result, a lot of the mainline games do not have that as their canon ending. Guess the "ideal" ending depends on each separate universe. It also kinda scared me the DLC battle with Stephen was just a test even with him being a bit serious in Phase 2, like he could blink and all the protags would just cease to exist if he went all out.

[@Tony4You]

Thanks! I understand why not many have canon endings to begin with, we can only speculate. What we do know is that it's by his will all this is happening to begin with

[@yunarukam-bae8944]

Stephen is also in Imagine however only through textual reference.

[@carlosmeza4524]

Nice images, where did you take them from? the one with Gods flame eyes and the God and omniverse?

[@Tony4You]

Hey thanks. The images used are from the artists Alex and Allyson Grey, primarily known for their work on the tool albums!

[@ArceusDX]

Unfortunately Stephen never appeared in SMTV as the Demon Summoning Programme in that game was created by Tsukuyomi Seems he never appears in games where the MC doesn't use a COMP

[@randyrhoades8751]

I have a much more crazy theory on who Stephen is and what his purpose is. Again it is crazy, but hear me out… Essentially, I believe he IS the Axiom. You see, usually in some sort of mythology or scripture based story (the likes of which, SMT is heavily based in); a mortal being to be able to understand such greater power like the Axiom, or Great Will; whichever you wish to call it, it comes with these three caveat’s. 1. The mortal is a messenger of the higher being, merely delivering the message or intent of said higher power in a concise or at least easy to understand perspective for humans. 2. The mortal was created as an extension of the power of said Higher Being as a Vessel for some degree of interaction in the world of said higher powers’ existence. 3. The mortal is merely the Higher Being in question, taking upon the form of a mortal in order to influence such things without using their full power in question; for a variety of reasons. In the case of #1, we can debunk that outright since Stephen doesn’t really seem deliver or extend the will of the Axiom so directly like that, only mentioning it sparsely himself in IV. The case of #2 is a likely one as it could explain why Stephen is so powerful, but it cannot necessarily explain away how deeply Stephen and other transcendent beings who are aware of the Axiom. This is where the evidence of Stephen being a form of the Axiom is strongest I believe. According to most things I know about the Axiom or Great Will itself; is that it does take upon many forms or avatars throughout the series; Metatron in Strange Journey for example is one of them, and at one point; even the likes of YHVH was an avatar for the Axiom, but somehow they separated, presumably around SMTII; officially stated in IV. Yaldabaoth is in NINE, and so on. Notice any patterns here however with the names of avatars mentioned? They are all transcendent beings. Every last one of them beyond the ones I mentioned largely fit the bill of being transcendent. Now how is it that a mortal was able to achieve something even most high powered demons cannot? Obviously learning about technology and science doesn’t help here since a medicom of knowing the unknowable is still in effect in SMT as far we know, so simply researching your way to transcendence doesn’t work; otherwise early attempts at trying to do such like Nakajima in the Megami Tensei series would have not have backfired as much as they have. While it is true that according to Stephen in SMTI that a bad experience with demon summoning resulted in him being wheelchair bound, it was shown that he doesn’t need it in SMTIV; making it all a means of image keeping, appearing as human as possible. Of course this theory is not without it’s flaws, I will go into one major flaw that I know people will bring up: “What about the fact that Stephen refers to himself as separate from the get go?” which I will defend my viewpoint from now; you see he isn’t even the only one to do that. YHVH in SMTII has done so as well, and weather such thing is a valid defense is difficult to pin down since we cannot accurately pin down when YHVH separated from the Axiom, if one were to believe it was after II; the defense of statements of being separate entities should not be a valid one then since YHVH would be a part of it in that game at that time. But again, this is just my theory.

[@sato_rg3314]

Everybody gangsta till the disable man talk about a multiuniversal god and Stands up

[@Tony4You]

The cosmos are aggressive 😳

[@noabsolutelynot3660]

Stephen seems to me to play the same role in SMT that Philemon plays in Persona. I wonder if they're related.

[@Locaneo]

My theory on the matter is that the Great Will is not 100% in control of its actions. Worlds are made as a by product of Perception and choice. Across many worlds are multiple Messiahs existing at once vying for the future. YHVH wants to supersede the Axiom/Great Will and is pretending to be him to take him over, but he needs a majority of people across many worlds to give him that power and acts by taking over worlds for this plan. It requires existing in and making people believe that he is the only true God. That's why Metatron can say he worked for YHVH, then say he worked for the Axiom in 3 while YHVH was reconstructing, then be puppetted by YHVH in 4:Apocalypse upon YHVH's return. YHVH cannot be killed by the Axiom because their existences are tied together and he can exist for as long as people believe he does and want him to. It took being deconstructing YHVH at the end of 4:A to kill him in a more permanent way. Stephen exists with the Axiom and has to follow the laws of the universe. It comes down to the question of "Why can't this really powerful guy fix the issue himself?", it's because he cannot break the rules, only bend them. The cathedral of shadows know the secrets of demon fusion and are accessed via Stephan's terminals and apps. It's not often discussed who they are and what they're up to, but they are a literal group that exists to help the characters no matter the alignment. My point with this is, it's not just Stephen magically fusing demons and teleporting the party, he's following rules that tie to his and his real life counterpart's expertise. He is doing so while fighting on the Axiom's side as only people, not the Great Will, can kill YHVH. I surmise it's even likely he borrowed the Axiom's power for the battle with the protagonists which he's been saving for the occasion and probably couldn't use them in reality.

[@jettlucashayes8508]

So why about the universal will fight in the game feat version of the last bible.

[@Locaneo]

@@jettlucashayes8508 I don't really understand your question. Also I never played Last Bible and have no idea anything about it.

[@jettlucashayes8508]

@@Locaneo the fianl boss is the great will/axiom itself

[@Locaneo]

@@jettlucashayes8508 I'm not sure what you're implying by that as well. If you mean that the Axiom dies? It doesn't, after the battle it even says they'll meet again. Also it's around for the rest of the series if Stephen keeps talking about it, speaking to it, we keep getting shown it, even all the way up to SMT5. I'm still uncertain of what you're asking?

[@jettlucashayes8508]

@@Locaneo I am saying you beat up the great will and el dragged it into a physical form

[@buuam7555]

Steven getting his knees shot out by Jack Frost is a nice touch

[@scrapyarddragon]

to compare it to table top games to see if my understanding is sufficient; YHVH is the resident god npc for the players to beat, but the great with is the GM.

[@Tony4You]

LOL yeah to put a ttrpg spin on it, that is surprisingly accurate

[@TheSwordsman100]

As much as I dislike IVA's egregious retcons to strip Law and Chaos of all their nuance to force you to pick Neutral, I did appreciate the added clear for once lore for Stephen and the Great Will. As beforehand it was mostly Law that talked about the GW and they tended to use the same names for what they call YHVH (God and the like) for ambiguity. (which does make sense as the GW is God and YHVH is normally banking on the conflation) You did a great job summarizing most of the lore, though I disagree with your theory. IMO he honestly does wants humanity to flourish and be happy instead of wanting change based off what Stephen, SMTIV!Mastma, SMTIV's ends vs SMTIVA's ends, 3's Metatron and Kagutsuchi and the mysterious voice in the Fragment of Petrification Prison cutscene from SMT2 have to say on the character. I also find it interesting that according to Raidou Kuzunoha vs. King Abaddon, which has loose connections to the Persona series, the church there explicitly worships the Great Will instead of YHVH and that despite Stephen being the poster boy for Neutral, Atlus' most favored alignment, is described as having a evil presence before fighting him in the DLC. (though thats not too surprising, after all like you said he doesn't really care what route you go, like Massacre)

[@Tony4You]

Thanks for the comment. Yeah my speculation was just that and I don't claim it to be fact, I hope it was entertaining nonetheless. That aspect with Raidou is interesting but I omitted it due to it's loose connections

[@TheSwordsman100]

@@Tony4You You're welcome and don't worry about it, it was entertaining. I've gone through most of your content now and have subscribed. I look forward to your thoughts on SMTV.

[@nintenx1235]

Axiom as a word means “self evident truth” and that’s what I feel “the great will” is in SMT. It’s the universal subconscious, the combined will of the universe. The Messiah are capable of transcending the Axiom by uniting people under a unified alignment of neutrality. Neutrality being the one that benefits the most people is the reason Stephen tries to push the messiah towards it. As long as an near even amount of law and chaos aligned people can coexist humanity can live in peace from YHVH and Lucifer bringing the apocalypse. The reason YHVH keeps being brought back is due to people wishing for guidance and order to their hectic lives. To not worry about tomorrow and instead have faith that things will be okay. The reason Lucifer keeps opposing YHVH is people wishing to bring down the overbearing rule of those in power. To bring chaos and topple those that are on top. Of course that is speculation but it makes the idea of Stephen acting against the axiom by testing the messiah into an act of helping the axiom.

[@akirathewildcard9625]

The axiom does appear in a lesser known title called last bible The main character defeats it with the power of determination and a sword And that is why the last bible protagonist could solo all other protags thank you and good night

[@jeanpierreruiz6393]

I've seen the end of STMV, where you hear about the "Mandala System". Is this related to this cycle?

[@Tony4You]

I had a field day with speculation. It seems to be that the game heavily implies the importance of the axiom's plans. Very subtle Atlus

[@muhammadazamuddinbinazlan8518]

Wish all this game is available on steam

[@coolsiideri]

SMT lore is the only one that's been able to hurt my brain aside from MGS, from merely trying to comprehend it all

[@velvetbutterfly]

Do you dare to look at BlazBlue or Kirby lore?

[@implord4197]

@@velvetbutterfly Kirby lore is a joke that got out of hand. It doesn't count.

[@velvetbutterfly]

@@implord4197 I would say that better describes KH lore

[@mistake1197]

I'm hoping we see another appearance of Steven in SMT 5

[@petrock4041]

Erm 😐 good vidoe man

[@Tony4You]

Herm thanks I guess 😳

[@213AnimeFreak213]

Do a story of Philemon, Stephen, Louis Cyphre, & Igor in one video (if they are connected)

[@Tony4You]

Something to add to the list lol. Gonna dedicate some videos for more important story characters for sure

[@jerardocontreras1572]

I lost it when he stood up from his chair in the apocalypse DLC

[@rvfiasco]

Give it up for the Axiom!

[@Tony4You]

YESSIR!

[@rvfiasco]

@@Tony4You Keep these coming. I loved your IHVH one as well. AHIH, I am that I am! Excellent work. So freaking hyped for V!! Finally!!

[@jellyface401]

Now my Theory on the Axiom is that it wants to be surpassed and the humans are the ones that have the best chance of actually doing it but humans are humans and like the gods that make monsters on their sleep they need extra assistance to wake up to their potential. If the True Reincarnation Goddess is the Mother, The axiom is the Father and the Humans are T HA B A B Y!

[@jellyface401]

And if the axiom is the one speaking at the end of nocturne, It is not mad it is simply disappointed that humanity went with demonic power rather than depending on his own potential.

[@Tony4You]

Ah yes very interesting. Many people overlook that the "Demons" in the games are created by humans and they transcend the concepts of time and space via the amala network. Humans have the ability to create Gods, they just need help harnessing that ability. Interesting though man

[@jackour8167]

@@Tony4You highly doubt df would be bounded by the power of observation since he was once human himself.

[@ils4844]

@@jackour8167 He's barely known by humanity at large so he definitely isn't bound by it, same could be said for Nanashi or any Atlus OC who obtains godhood.

[@ParadiseLordRyu]

Well in one of the older games the axiom created someone solely to surpass it Last Bible 2 I think

[@mannysmith5397]

Wait wasn't it Akemi Nakajima who coded the Program back in Digital Devil Story? or is that a different part of the Amala Multiverse?

[@Tony4You]

Nakajima is the programmer in the Digital Devil Story books and the original Megami Tenei. For Shin Megami Tensei he is no longer a character and Stephen takes his place as the creator of the Demon Summoning Program.

[@vanilla8956]

@@Tony4You Nakajima is mentioned in SMT 1 as an acquaintance of the protagonist though, I thought Nakajima gave pascal to Kazuya

[@Tony4You]

@@vanilla8956 Yeah it's more of a fun Easter egg, I didn't go too deep into it. Megami Tensei and Shin Megami Tensei are seperate

[@vanilla8956]

@@Tony4You My only problem with that is that it was added in later remakes of the game as an update, which makes it feel like it was a retcon that was important to the writers. If it was there the whole time I would 100% agree. But the fact they bothered to add that specific detail feels to specific for me. But we know the events of those games don't happen in SMT so, it seems to be unimportant. Maybe just showing that MT is in the Amala multiverse and because of that, alternate universe Nakajima's exist who didn't end up making it. Definitely not groundbreaking.

[@digitaltigergaming]

@@Tony4You Did the devs state they were separate? If not I like to think perhaps it is similar to any other open-source program. Someone can modify it, improve on it then call it their own, which may have been what Stephen did, unless the Devs state explicitly they are separate. And if they are separate Universes in the MT Multiverse, an interesting question arises as to how connected the Universes are (since clearly demons can bounce around between Universes), and if that is the case where did Stephen (or Nakajima for that matter) come up with the idea? (read the books and played the games, hence mentioning it) I wonder if someone (YHVH perhaps) influenced them to create the programs. Duality is a big thing in the 'Verses. Who knows.

[@aidencrawford9704]

Can you make a video about the Ubiqutous Ones.

[@itz_cros3779]

He is not wheelchair bouned, he just stays in it for comfort change my mind.

[@cronical246]

The Great Will could just be Atlus hoping to sell more SMT.