Hugo is the Emperor of Mor Ardain. His brother was unable to become a Driver, so Hugo accordingly became the Driver of both Brighid and Aegaeon. His brother rules in his absence and has given the Special Inquisitor instructions to retrieve his Core Crystal should he fall in battle. Hugo and Addam have an undisclosed history together and were once very good friends. Both Hugo and Addam share a distaste for ruling over others.
Hugo makes his appearance after Brighid mistakes Lora and Addam as the destructors of Torigoth. He notes that Mor Ardain has also been impacted by Malos' rampage and that he has come in search for him. He and Aegaeon suggest that they meet on the Ardainian flagship to discuss the next path forward. On the flagship, he reveals that rogue Coeian forces were responsible for Torigoth's destruction. He later sends a few soldiers to capture Gort, but they are unsuccessful.
Hugo shielding Addam from the blast
He notifies Addam of his militia being taken over by the Kingdom of Uraya and joins the group as they travel to Aletta. He then briefly leaves the party to lead an expedition against rogue Coeian forces but rejoins the group as they head for Auresco. The Tornan King thanks Hugo for his assistance, but Hugo claims he only followed Addam's lead. He combats Malos at the royal gardens and pledges his assistance to stop Malos at the Tornan Titan's core. After Mythra's Siren unleashes an attack that destroys the Titan's core, Hugo shields Addam from the ensuing explosion and dies saving Addam's life. His body is taken away on an Ardainian warship, and Lora gives the Special Inquisitor the Core Crystals of Brighid and Aegaeon.
General Stats
Level
Max HP
Max Strength
Max Ether
Max Dexterity
Max Agility
Max Luck
1
405
21
22
35
26
20
99, no modifier
6,750
358
366
314
239
340
Weapon
Hugo fights using swords. He starts the game with a common Seismic Sword that allows him to inflict earth damage.
"This is my first time travelling like this! It's quite… refreshing."
Lora
"Oh, really? Then why don't we do something to celebrate?"
Haze
"That means it's time to party! Gather round, everyone!"
Hugo
"What? Oh, that wasn't what I… N-no, hold on!"
Lora
"You're really quite wise in the way of the world, aren't you, Hugo. Think you could teach me a few anecdotes?"
Addam
"Ahah, are you sure about that? He's quite the stern task master."
Hugo
"If you wish Lora. By tomorrow, please transcribe one hundred pages of one of the tornan epics, write a treaty on an ardainian philosopher of your choice, and read a volume of History."
Lora
"Er, sorry, the dog ate all of my literature."
Lora
"Ahah, that'll teach them. Never underestimate the power of the common folk."
Hugo
"Indeed. The emperor bestows his gratitude."
Addam
"Kind of giving the wrong impression there, Hugo."
Lora
"Is everyone alright? No injuries?"
Minoth
"Hmpf, do we really have the time to get all soft right now?"
Hugo
"He means "Thank you for your concern"."
Minoth
"Hey, I can speak for myself, thank you very much."
Lora
"How are you managing there, Hugo? Not too tiring for you?"
Hugo
"Hm? No, I'm quite alright. It will take more than this level of fighting to put me down."
Aegaeon
"Uh… Beg pardon, Lady Lora, but worrying about His Majesty's well-being is part of MY responsibilities."
Jin
"It looks like I'm on dinner duty tonight. Does anyone have any requests?"
Hugo
"Whatever we have the ingredients for."
Aegaeon
"Anything you make would be a feast, I'm sure."
Jin
"Those might be the least helpful answers yet."
Hugo
"Jin, your fury is certainly something to behold."
Jin
"My fury? What are you trying to say, exactly?"
Hugo
"I mean… I'm just glad I'm not your enemy."
Jin
"I'm not sure how to take it, coming from you."
Hugo
"Are you unharmed, Jin?"
Jin
"Your concern would be better spent on Brighid. I would hate to give her any cause for sulking."
Brighid
"Sulking?! I would do nothing of the sort. I merely ask that His Majesty express a touch more concern for his ETERNALLY devoted servants."
Haze
"Excuse my idle curiosity, Lord Hugo, but… What is it like? Being an emperor, I mean."
Hugo
"Well, it certainly keeps me busy. My duties are too numerous to name."
Addam
"I imagine there's never a dull moment in His Imperial Majesty's life."
Haze
"Your Imperial Majesty, you carry yourself with such an elegance!"
Hugo
"If you had heard "The emperor does not slouch!" every day for eighteen years, you would carry yourself just as well."
Minoth
"Unlike a certain prince I could but will not name?"
Haze
"Lord Hugo, you've sustained no cuts, I hope? No scrapes, no bruises?"
Hugo
"Thank you for your concern, Haze. You are very kind."
Brighid
"And why exactly are you staring at me, Your Majesty?"
Addam
"That reminds me, Hugo. Did you ever overcome your fear of you-know-what?"
Hugo
"I'm sure I don't know what you're talking about."
Addam
"Aspar. Didn't you once tell me about how one slithered out from under your pillow?"
Hugo
"T-that was a long time ago. Just forget it."
Addam
"Hugo, we should come out with some sort of team attack. What do you say?"
Hugo
"Why not? Just give me the cue."
Addam
"Good man. It's got to be something fancy, naturally."
Hugo
"Fancy or not, I'll follow just the same."
Addam
"It's a great relief having you at my side in battle, Hugo."
Hugo
"If I can make my comrades feel at ease, that is more important than vanquishing a hundred monsters."
Brighid
"You are a paragon among men, Your Majesty. Precious few would reach the same conclusion as you."
Mythra
"Hugo, do you consider the Aegis'… I mean, MY power a danger?"
Hugo
"As long as you are with Addam, there is nothing to fear."
Mythra
"Phew, you sure put a lot of trust in that guy."
Hugo
"I think you understand why I do."
Minoth
"Young Master Hugo, we're not going too fast for your young legs, are we?"
Hugo
"I'm perfectly fine! You do not need to worry about me."
Minoth
"That's good to hear! Just let me know if the going gets tough."
Minoth
"The bond between driver and Blade is some powerful stuff."
Aegaeon
"I would gladly excel at any chores His Majesty would entrust me with."
Hugo
"Is… that what we're calling a bond now?"
Brighid
"Do you desire the power of the Aegis, Your Majesty?"
Hugo
"Her power is impressive for sure. But there is a strength I draw from you and Aegaeon that cannot be quantified."
Brighid
"I think you overestimate our ability. But thank you. I'm touched that you feel that way."
Aegaeon
"Your Majesty, I congratulate you on your rousing success."
Hugo
"If I have succeeded, it is only because I fight shoulder to shoulder with the greatest heroes I have ever known."
Aegaeon
"Your Majesty..! You're so… modest."
Hugo
"Aegaeon… Are… Are those, tears?"
Aegaeon
"Your Majesty, I implore you not to overdo it."
Hugo
"Your advice is appreciated. But if I do not push my body, it will only grow weak."
Aegaeon
"But that is precisely why. If you suddenly start exerting yourself now, your unprepared joints may suffer under the stress."
Hugo
"I said I would push myself, Aegaeon, not try to… deadlift a Jagron."
Condition: After Lora becomes a knight of Torna
Addam
"It's not enough! We have to try harder."
Hugo
"Don't look so gloom, Addam. It affects everyone else's moral."
Addam
"Arh, you're absolutely right. Sorry, my friend."
Hugo
"It's okay. Just remember, we're in this together."
Condition: After Lora becomes a knight of Torna
Mythra
"You… you did good back there, Brighid. Obviously not as good as me, but, still."
Brighid
"What was that? I'm sorry, I couldn't hear you. Would you mind repeating the first part again?"
Hugo
"Shall I repeat it for you, Brighid? I had no trouble hearing."
"And where, pray tell, did you hear that expression, Your Majesty?"
Hugo
"Uh, I overheard it on the streets of the capital. Did I misuse it?"
Trivia
Hugo and Niall share the same voice actor in both dubs.
A post-battle dialogue between Hugo and Haze suggests that the former is at least 18 years old.
A post-battle dialogue between Hugo and Addam suggests that Hugo may have a fear of Aspar, due to one slithering out from under his pillow when he was younger.
Hugo is the only playable character in Torna ~ The Golden Country to never appear in the main game of Xenoblade Chronicles 2.
at the start of battle.
at the start of battle.
at the start of battle.
Hugo
Lora
Haze
Addam
Minoth
Aegaeon
Jin
Brighid
Mythra
