After the Gladius Ceremony reveals the core's true nature, Xavier's father delivers a further blow: the royals have found a permanent energy solution. A girl whose body contains an Aether Core — an endlessly recyclable resurrection vessel — could sustain Philos forever. That girl is the past-life incarnation of MC. The Titulus Ceremony would require Xavier himself to perform the final rite, delivering her to the core. He refuses. In doing so he abandons the throne, his title as Crown Prince, and his future on Philos. He disappears. Xavier tells Queen-MC he has discovered a planet called Uluru uninhabited by Wanderers and suggests taking her there — a hint that he seeks an alternative to sacrifice.