The King of Philos dies. A 200-year mourning interval during which no successor can be named follows. In this gap, Xavier builds a secret faction inside the Order of Lightseekers — the Backtrackers — dedicated to finding a future without MC's sacrifice. He returns to Philos long enough to serve the now-Queen MC openly as her Grandis Knight. She gives him her star-shaped knight badge — which he replaces the original Anecdote-3 tassel with on his sword, telling her only one person has ever given him a star. Then she formally declares him dead, giving him the cover identity he needs. He and the Backtrackers board the Traceback II and enter the Deepspace Tunnel, aiming to travel back in time.