Mudgala

Mudgala (ムドガラ) is a secondary antagonist in Harukanaru Toki no Naka de 4. He confronts the main party in chapter seven within the game's main story.

Role in Game
Ever since the day he has wielded a sword, Mudgala has severed Surya. He has fought in his cousin's name even before he was known as the "Lion King". After he supported Surya's rebellion, Mudgala mentored Nasatya and Asvin. He continued to stand beside the Raja even when he suspected the Black Dragon's possession, leading his army to invade Nakatsu Kuni's capital. The general personally penetrated the palace defenses and killed the Queen. His act signaled the fall of the rival kingdom.

When Chihiro returns to her homeland, Mudgala is occupied with his duties. He spends the majority of the game's story guarding the western segments of Tokoyo no Kuni and simultaneously subjugating Surya's father-in-law and rival, Visvakarman. After Eka's failure, he returns to the main palace and protects Surya from two rebelling soldiers. Shortly thereafter, he is given the order to invade Kumano.

Prior to facing Chihiro and her army, Mudgala sacrifices his life force to a group of kidou casters. They erect a powerful magical barrier around the general. During Chihiro's first raid within his main camp, he appears to be impervious to their attacks. Nagi senses the trick and urges their retreat. Mudgala, wishing to avoid unnecessary bloodshed, doesn't pursue their flight.

In her second attempt, the Nakatsu Kuni army splits their forces. Chihiro acts as the decoy by approaching his main camp. Another part of their army seeks and destroys the sorcerers casting the shield. The general welcomes Chihiro and actively listens to her request to withdraw. Feeling sentimental to her earnest pleas, Mudgala calmly explains his duties and the realities of war to her. Just when it appears that they have reached an understanding, the Nakatsu Kuni army swiftly complete their respective tasks and overrun his base. When the barrier vanishes, Mudgala's energies disappears with it.

Grievously wounded by the assault, Mudgala orders his army to retreat to the northern mountains. He personally guards the rear for his army's escape. Chihiro wants to spare his life, but he chooses to die as dutiful warrior than accept surrender. After he is defeated in combat, the general compliments the princess for her compassion. Despite her pleas to live, he commits suicide by jumping off a nearby cliff. Death is his fate in most of the game's timelines, including the final canon loop. The circumstances for his passing varies in each character's story route.

Development
Once Surya's backstory was completed, developers wanted to have a figure who could inform the player of the past Raja's exploits. Whilst they conceptualized his character, they wanted him to be a compassionate yet imposing enemy for Chihiro.

During the early brainstorming stages for the game's historical setting, Ruby Party members once considered having the story take place within the Three Kingdoms era. While the idea was ultimately discarded, they state that Mudgala is a partial homage to Xiahou Dun.

Fighting Style
Mudgala's abnormally high Attack stat is capable of critically wounding even high leveled characters. Kazahaya, Asvin, and a Wood innate Chihiro may struggle against his attacks and require the player's attention to their health if they fight him. Though he has high health, he is also slow and generally weak against magic. It may help the player to boost the party's Agility and Magic stats if they cannot win against him.

The player cannot use him as a summon or within battle at any point within the game.