Can mercenaries be self-sufficient for rubies

I have a feeling any answer here would be highly subjective; due to the differing styles of play (active/idle/hybrid); as well as the myriad of possible variables involved (Ancients, Gilds, Relics). I've seen a couple calculators; but they concern with what ancients I should upgrade & what order to level my heroes; but nothing with a clear-cut "Ascend Now!" answer.

I'm using an idle play style; and typically here's how I've been doing it:

• Progress until I can't beat a boss without using skills
• Use skills to beat aforementioned boss
• Progress another 5 levels
• If the boss is primal (meaning I'll get hero souls); wait for skills to recharge and go back to step 2. If the boss is not primal; ascend.

Of course; there may be reasons to deviate from this path (say i'm on level 785; and getting past 800 will net me guaranteed HS; as well as a 5% DPS bonus from an achievement. In this case I'll probably wait it out).

Anecdotally; from my experience; if you're early game (seemingly maxing out around level 300-400 or before); it probably makes sense to ascend early and often (minimum 15 HS per run). If you're mid to late game; that's when you'll start making deeper runs.

Edit So if you're getting around 15 hero souls; I think your target is somewhere around level 140 or so; and 7 or 8 of those should be coming from hero levels. (when you're upgrading; make sure you try and maximize your levels rather than dumping cash; as you get an additional HS for every 2000 levels.)

Personally; I've been spending rubies on the 3 additional gilds. Cash doesn't seem worth it; and the quick ascension is rather pricy as once you start progressing you'll be ascending every 30-60 minutes. There's a new option for a 2x permanent damage boost (not sure how good this is); and another for 3 relics (i think is rather useless; as you are forced to "recycle" them after you ascend; only keeping 4 equipped)

You said you have Libertas & Siyalatas; which are critical for an idle style. I think your next purchases should be Dora / Mimzee / Mammon (as those will give a significant boost to your gold production. After you get those 3; look for Atman / Solomon. Those will really boost your HS production

The wiki page for relics and reddit discussion will be your best bet for up to date information (and is still being fleshed out); but let me at least try and summarize your questions:

1.) There's 8 rarity levels (going from most common to least common):

 - Common
 - Uncommon
 - Rare
 - Epic
 - Fabled
 - Mythical
 - Legendary
 - Transcendent

2.) The level appears to be dependent on what zone the Relic Ooze spawns. From the aforementioned wiki:

Relic levels are calculated depending on the zone level in which the Relic Ooze spawns. The higher the zone level, the higher the Relic level will be. A Relic obtained at zone 1500 will always have a higher level than a Relic at zone 1400.

and from the reddit discussion; the formula is apparently:

Relic Level = MAX(ceiling(50 * (1 -1.2 -spawn_zone/100+1 )),1)