Hughes serves as the "Magic Militia Third Division Commander" within the Royal Army of Edolas. He is a young man with peculiar arrow-like eyebrows that resemble clock hands, and he boasts shiny dark blue hair which can appear white depending on the angle of light; alternatively, his hair might be two-toned. His long bangs obscure both his forehead and temples, but apart from this, his appearance is relatively ordinary.
Hughes often expresses astonishment, frequently repeating the word "amazing," whether it's about the attractions in the theme park under his control or the magic abilities displayed by Earthland citizens. However, he can turn serious when necessary, to the extent of openly declaring his intent to end his opponents' lives. When calm and away from the battlefield, Hughes is easy-going and playful, occasionally even teasing his adversaries. His obsession with the dwindling Magic in Edolas drives him to any lengths to obtain more, even if it means sacrificing Earthland Mages, revealing a heartless and sadistic side.
Interestingly, Hughes shows no signs of perversion, displaying absolute indifference to Lucy in a bikini after Natsu convinced her to use a "sexy strategy." He first appears alongside other Royal Captains, marveling at the converted Earthland Lacrima to Erza. He then taunts imprisoned Natsu and Wendy, informing them that Happy and Charle have been returned home and that Lucy is likely set for execution. Following this, he attends a meeting with Faust, Coco, Byro, Sugarboy, and Patherlily, departing when dismissed. Later, he is seen observing Lucy, Charle, and Happy after their escape, along with other Royal Captains.
Hughes later reappears with Sugarboy at an amusement park inside the castle. He attacks Natsu, Gray, and Lucy using what looks like a rocking Viking ship. He comments on how Edolas' magic will soon vanish and declares he won't let anyone hinder his quest for more magic. He traps Natsu on a roller coaster designed to destabilize riders after a few minutes, only to discover Natsu has already been disabled, much to his surprise and amusement. Lucy joins him on the ride, and they land in the park's water. Hughes reveals he controls everything in the park, including the water, and uses it against Natsu and Lucy.
The water carries Natsu and Lucy to the Monster Academy, where Hughes eventually finds them. Lucy tries a "sexy strategy" against Hughes to lower his guard, but it fails, prompting him to unleash his monsters on her. Using creatures like a mummy and Frankenstein's monster, Hughes battles Natsu, wrapping the Dragon Slayer in linen. Natsu ignites himself, incinerating the mummy's bindings, shocking Hughes again. Undeterred, Hughes sends more minions against Natsu, diverting attention from Lucy, who escapes. For a moment, the sheer number of monsters seems advantageous, but they are scared off by Natsu summoning a dragon, leaving Hughes utterly shocked.
Later, Hughes is punched against a wall by Natsu, crashing into Byro in the process. Both he and Byro are defeated. At the end, as Anima drains magic and Earth Land mages and Exceed, Hughes is seen with Sugarboy and Byro.
