The State of the Ascians (Assume Spoilers as of TODAY)

[Anonymoose]

It hasn't been forgotten, it's just no longer relevant to the story because it no longer exists - it was destroyed when the Ultima Weapon exploded

The Heart of Sabik seemed very important, but it was never mentioned again. Is it out of play?
Koji Fox: It’s gonna come back. And before [4.0]. That’s all you get!

The fact it wasn't destroyed with the Ultima Weapon as of 2016 is what kept me focusing on the "where did it go?" (most of the time just for the lulz).

Conspiracy Theory: Sabik's role was tossed and the Eyes of Nidhogg were brought back, instead, to tie MSQ and raid together (they got feedback that Alexander being isolated was underwhelming compared to the Binding Coil, if I remember right). That said, Twelve know there are even some straight up subtraction retcons I'd be OK with at this point (such as invasive surgery on the 2.x era Ascian cutscenes), so if Sabik was destroyed at Praetorium now, so be it, but ... <pout>

A lot of the most fun uses it could have had died with Zodiark, anyway, as it was alleged to be a "sliver of His power", but you might still be able to tie Sabik, Zodiark, and the High Seraph together and focus on Sabik as a vehicle for the Ultima magick.

pLaNnEd aLL aLoNg!