The man raised an eyebrow, visibly puzzled. "A baton? Out of all the exquisite, state-of-the-art gadgets here, you choose that? Why?"

  Joseph smiled, twirling the baton in his hand. "I’m no stranger to batons. They’re flexible and can adapt to whatever form the wielder imagines. Sometimes, simplicity beats extravagance."

  With that, Joseph pressed the baton against his XPT core. A bright surge of energy enveloped the baton as his XPT fused with the device. The baton began to transform, upgrading itself with nano-regeneration protocols that restructured its form.

  Curious, Joseph broke the baton in half. Each piece instantly regenerated into a full baton, their surfaces glimmering as the nano-regeneration technology worked seamlessly. Impressed, Joseph recalled his XPT’s full capabilities before it was diminished. He fused one baton with his body, absorbing it for emergency use, while securing the other tightly in his hand.

  The man nodded approvingly. "Good choice. The baton will serve as more than a weapon—it’s also a charger for your XPT, preventing constant power drainage. However, the upgrade will still be limited by your previous XPT’s capabilities, just slightly enhanced."

  "Understood," Joseph replied, flexing his hand around the baton’s grip, already feeling the synergy between it and his energy.

  The man reached into a storage compartment and pulled out a small, round device. "This," he said, holding it up, "is an input cerebral enhancement. Place it on your temple. It will grant you instantaneous insight into the Akakawa Kingdom and the regional planets within its jurisdiction."

  Since Joseph was already well-versed in the operations of most of the regional planets he had aided, his focus narrowed to absorbing knowledge from the few he had yet to understand.

  Joseph did as instructed, placing the device on his temple. A surge of information flooded his mind in an instant—so fast it registered in an attosecond. His vision blurred momentarily as knowledge poured in, vividly mapping out details about planets, cities, and their governance.

  He began to recount the insights he had gained:

  Sendai Planet City, governed by a female city manager: Known for its technological innovations in sustainable energy and environmental technology, located in the Tohoku region.

  Himeji Planet City, ruled by a male city lord: Renowned for blending alchemical enhancements with modern construction, its pristine white castle a symbol of architectural brilliance.

  Toyohashi Planet City, ruled by a male city lord: A hub for transportation technology, pioneering the fastest trains and efficient shipping vessels.

  Kawasaki Planet City, ruled by a male city lord: An industrial powerhouse, specializing in advanced machinery, electronics, and military hardware.

  Nagano Planet City, governed by a city lady: A harmonious blend of technological innovation and nature, with eco-friendly advancements and biotechnology at its core.

  Kagoshima Planet City, ruled by a male city lord: Powered by geothermal energy from its volcanic activity, fueling technological advancements across the kingdom.

  Otaru Planet City, ruled by a male city lord: A thriving center for alchemy, fusing ancient methods with modern chemistry to create powerful elixirs.

  Utsunomiya Planet City, ruled by a city lady: Specializes in agricultural technology, optimizing food production with a mix of alchemy and machinery.

  Kure Planet City, ruled by a female mayor: A shipbuilding titan, crafting the most advanced naval vessels in the Akakawa fleet.

  As the information flowed, Joseph also gained insight into the Akakawa Royal Family, their bio-data, and the hierarchy of warriors within the kingdom. Knights, Hunters, and Knight-Hunters—all ranked by aura levels and combat proficiency—unfolded in his mind like pages in a book.

  ### **Family Royalty of the Akakawa (Red River Kingdom)**

  #### **1. Name:** Naoki Masumi

  - **Age:** 55

  - **Gender:** Androgynous

  - **Status:** King and Knight-Hunter

  - **Rank:** Z (Tier 4)

  - **Type:** High-Level Archknight-Hunter

  - **Species:** Human

  - **Aura Level:** Universal

  **Description:** Z Rank hunters possess the power to challenge and defeat universal-level monsters. Their aura spans across entire universes, making them both revered and feared throughout multiple realms. These rare individuals are symbols of immense strength and leadership.

  **Bio:** Naoki Masumi became the ruler of the Akakawa Kingdom after the tragic death of their parents during the Great War. As the sole heir, Naoki was groomed from birth to lead and was educated in both the culture and ways of the kingdom to become a wise and powerful ruler. Upon ascending the throne, Naoki initiated a new era for Akakawa, advancing its civilization with cutting-edge technology, while keeping the traditional magic alive, though its usage became secondary to science.

  As a highly experienced archknight-hunter, Naoki is skilled in both combat and diplomacy, earning the respect and admiration of their people. Naoki's reign has been marked by prosperity, modernization, and the balance of old and new. Naoki also brought harmony to the kingdom by forming alliances and ensuring peace after the devastating war.

  Beyond their role as king, Naoki is a dedicated parent and has two daughters, who are both poised to inherit the kingdom. Naoki has ensured that their daughters receive the same rigorous education and training, preparing them for the day they will take on the mantle of leadership and guide the kingdom into the future.

  #### **2. Name:** Saki Masumi

  - **Age:** 40

  - **Gender:** Female

  - **Status:** Queen and Grandmaster Knight

  - **Rank:** Tier 3

  - **Type:** Elite Knights / Order Leaders

  - **Species:** Dwarf

  - **Aura Level:** Demigod-level (Multiversal)

  **Description:** Grandmaster Knights are leaders of powerful knightly orders, possessing unparalleled skill and experience. They are seasoned warriors who command entire armies and defend worlds from multiversal threats with their tactical prowess and mastery of both combat and magic. Saki Masumi, as Queen, embodies this rank, and her presence is felt across realms.

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  **Bio:** Saki Masumi is the beloved Queen of the Akakawa Kingdom, a loving mother, and the wife of Naoki Masumi. With the heart of a warrior and the wisdom of a scholar, Saki stands as a beacon of strength and justice in the kingdom. She was a warrior long before she ascended to the throne, earning the title of Grandmaster Knight through countless battles and hard-fought victories.

  Saki’s combat skills are exceptional, rivaling those of the most formidable warriors. Her mastery of both mystical arts and cutting-edge technology places her at the forefront of the kingdom's defenses. Beyond her combat abilities, Saki’s intelligence and knowledge span multiple disciplines, from history to science and even the hidden secrets of magic. Her ability to analyze and process information swiftly allows her to make decisions that ensure the kingdom's prosperity and security.

  Despite her formidable nature in battle, Saki is selfless, putting the needs of her people above her own. Her fair judgment and compassionate rulership have made her beloved by her subjects, yet her righteous wrath instills fear in those who dare cross her.

  As a mother, Saki has passed on her strength and wisdom to her daughters, ensuring they are prepared to carry on the Masumi legacy. Though she holds the title of Queen, Saki never hesitates to take up arms when her kingdom is in danger, always leading by example with courage and grace.

  #### **3. Name:** Ryoko Masumi

  - **Age:** 29

  - **Gender:** Female

  - **Status:** Princess and Huntress

  - **Rank:** S

  - **Type:** High-Level Huntress

  - **Species:** Dwarf

  - **Aura Level:** Galactic

  **Description:** Ryoko Masumi, with her S-rank status, possesses a galactic-level aura, making her capable of confronting threats that could endanger entire galaxies. She is renowned for leading hunts against colossal threats and is celebrated as a hero across multiple planets. Her reputation extends beyond her royal status, highlighting her prowess and dedication as a huntress.

  **Bio:** As the elder sister to Rina Masumi, Ryoko embodies the ideal of strength and resilience. Trained rigorously from birth, she has surpassed many expectations and continues to push her limits despite her prestigious position as a princess. Her commitment to excellence reflects her desire to prove that even a princess can achieve greatness without relying on her royal status.

  Ryoko is fiercely brave, intelligent, and hardworking, qualities that drive her to seek the top rank in her field. She is a strong advocate for feminism and serves as an inspiration to others, especially within the dwarf community, where she has faced and overcome prejudice. Additionally, Ryoko is a lesbian, which she embraces with pride, adding another dimension to her role as a progressive and influential figure.

  Despite her achievements, she remains deeply protective of her younger sister, Rina. Ryoko’s youthful appearance belies her age, with a face and physique that often make her look like a teenager. Her leadership and dedication in her role as a huntress make her a respected figure both within and beyond the kingdom.

  #### **4. Name:** Rina Masumi

  - **Age:** 15

  - **Gender:** Female

  - **Status:** Princess

  - **Rank:** None

  - **Type:** None

  - **Species:** Human

  - **Aura Level:** Normal

  **Description:** Rina Masumi is a vibrant and curious princess, known for her youthful energy and insatiable curiosity about the world. Though not yet holding a specific rank, she is beloved within the kingdom and has the potential to become a wise and dignified ruler in the future.

  **Bio:** Rina is the younger sister of Ryoko Masumi and the daughter of Naoki and Saki Masumi. With her lively personality and natural curiosity, she is a cherished member of the royal family. Her intelligence shines through in her academic pursuits, particularly in her explorations of technology and arcane magic.

  Although still young and in the early stages of her combat training, Rina has shown promise and a keen interest in both tech and magical experimentation. Her enthusiasm extends to helping out in the kingdom and engaging with the community, often exploring new ideas and solutions.

  Rina aspires to one day become a queen who rules with dignity, wisdom, and empathy. Her youthful spirit and determination are matched by her dedication to learning and growing, preparing her for future responsibilities.

  ### **List of Female Hunters & Knights in the Akakawa (Red River Kingdom)**

  #### **1. Name:** Aiko Kento

  - **Age:** 999

  - **Gender:** Female

  - **Status:** Huntress

  - **Rank:** +++ (Tier 3+++)

  - **Type:** Supreme Huntress

  - **Species:** Angel

  - **Aura Level:** God-level (Outerversal)

  **Description:** Aiko Kento is one of the most powerful hunters in existence, transcending mortality and facing god-like entities with ease. Her aura spans across multiple realities, influencing them with her mere presence. She is known as a legend within the Akakawa Kingdom, as stories of her power have become the foundation of many myths and tales. Her abilities allow her to shape universes and manipulate the very fabric of existence itself.

  **Bio:** As an angelic being, Aiko Kento has lived for almost a millennium, constantly honing her skills and gaining knowledge from across dimensions. She is a quiet and enigmatic figure, often appearing when least expected to turn the tide of a battle. Aiko's supreme power and god-like status have made her a revered figure in the kingdom, but she remains humble, preferring to let her actions speak for her rather than seeking recognition. She rarely intervenes in mortal affairs, but when she does, it's with a decisive and awe-inspiring force.

  #### **2. Name:** Rieko Kanako

  - **Age:** 66

  - **Gender:** Female

  - **Status:** Huntress

  - **Rank:** ZS++ (Tier 2++)

  - **Type:** Higher Huntress

  - **Species:** Hybrid (Half Human, Half Zombie)

  - **Aura Level:** Demigod-level (Hyperversal)

  **Description:** Rieko Kanako is a higher huntress of incredible power, capable of warping reality and influencing entire hyperverses. She achieved this level of power through both combat and forming pacts with powerful entities. Her aura is so immense that it distorts the very nature of reality, making her one of the most formidable huntresses in the kingdom. Despite her undead nature, she retains a strong sense of humanity, balancing her powers with the wisdom gained through her unique existence.

  **Bio:** Born as a hybrid of human and zombie, Rieko Kanako faced challenges from a young age due to her unusual lineage. She eventually embraced both sides of her heritage, using her human intelligence and zombie resilience to excel as a huntress. Over time, she reached the pinnacle of power, becoming a ZS++ rank huntress. Rieko is known for her tactical genius in battle and her ability to adapt to any situation. Her fierce loyalty to the Akakawa Kingdom makes her a vital asset in protecting it from hyperversal threats.

  ### 3. **Name:** Hatsune Ikumi

  - **Age:** 250

  - **Gender:** Female

  - **Status:** Huntress

  - **Rank:** SZ+ (Tier 1+)

  - **Type:** Elite Huntress

  - **Species:** Hybrid (Half Monster, Half Supernatural)

  - **Aura Level:** Demigod-Level (Multiversal)

  - **Description:** Hatsune Ikumi stands among the most elite of hunters, a member of the coveted SZ+ rank. She wields power on a multiversal scale, able to challenge and slay even the most fearsome creatures that threaten entire realities. Her hybrid nature grants her extraordinary abilities, fusing the raw, savage strength of monsters with the refined, mystical powers of the supernatural. To reach her status, Hatsune endured countless trials, ancient rituals, and harrowing battles that would have destroyed most hunters. She possesses rare, ancient artifacts that further amplify her strength, making her nearly unstoppable. Her journey, however, has been fraught with danger, and she constantly battles the lurking threat of corruption that accompanies such immense power.

  - **Bio:** Born in a forgotten realm, Hatsune was raised as both a warrior and a protector. Her lineage traces back to an ancient pact between supernatural beings and powerful monsters, a union that birthed her unique existence. Growing up, Hatsune's training was rigorous, her mentors pushing her beyond mortal limits to harness her dual nature. Over centuries, she has hunted across dimensions, earning her SZ+ rank by eliminating some of the most catastrophic threats to existence. Despite her monstrous side, Hatsune's core remains guided by a strong moral compass. However, as she climbs higher in power, the risk of corruption grows, threatening to turn her into the very thing she hunts.

  ### 4. **Name:** Izumi Kaede

  - **Age:** 17

  - **Gender:** Female

  - **Status:** Huntress

  - **Rank:** Z

  - **Type:** High-Level Huntress

  - **Species:** Human

  - **Aura Level:** Universal

  - **Description:** Despite her young age, Izumi Kaede is a formidable Z-rank huntress, capable of confronting universal-level monsters. Her aura spans entire universes, giving her a level of influence and power that makes her feared and respected across multiple realms. Though human, Izumi possesses an extraordinary mastery of her abilities, standing toe-to-toe with beings far older and more experienced. Her rank and power come not just from natural talent but also from her relentless drive and intense training.

  - **Bio:** Izumi was born into a family of hunters, where her talent quickly set her apart. By the age of ten, she had already defeated monsters that seasoned hunters feared to face. However, her rise to power wasn't without sacrifice—her family fell in battle against a powerful entity, leaving Izumi to continue their legacy alone. Determined to honor their memory, she trained fiercely, honing her skills to perfection. Despite her strength, Izumi remains humble, aware that even the greatest power can be fleeting. Her ultimate goal is not just to be the strongest but to protect others from the same losses she endured.