But most importantly, Ash had finally learned where he was.
'The world of Supreme Magus.'
His eyes lit up.
'This is a dangerous world... but it's also a world where I can become ridiculously powerful if I play my cards right.'
After days of thinking, Ash had finally decided which ability he wanted to unlock through Traveller.
'For a world like this, I'll definitely choose Raphael, Lord of Wisdom, from Rimuru.'
He knew such a powerful ability would come with a heavy penalty.
However, unlike Lith, who received his Mage Tower at the age of four, Ash was completely on his own.
If he wanted to survive and become powerful, he needed a strong cheat.
'Besides, the ceiling in this world is extremely high. If I become powerful here, the benefits transferred back to my Marvel body will still be huge even with a massive penalty.'
Having made up his mind, Ash activated Recall.
A moment later, Raphael was unlocked under Traveller.
Immediately, Traveller dimmed.
According to the information Ash possessed, Traveller required time to recharge before he could travel to another world or unlock another sub-ability.
Then a beautiful voice echoed inside his mind.
'Greetings, Master. I am thrilled that you chose me.'
Ash blinked.
The voice was calm, intelligent, and pleasant to listen to.
'Thank you, Master,' Raphael said.
Ash paused before speaking.
'Raphael, please don't read my thoughts unless I'm intentionally communicating with you. It feels weird having someone constantly listening to everything in my head.'
'Understood, Master.'
Raphael immediately agreed.
'Good.'
Ash relaxed slightly.
'Now, from my memories, you already know what I want. Go ahead and awaken me too.'
'Master is forgetting something,' Raphael replied.
'I am also the Lord of Wisdom.'
'When Master summoned me, I automatically obtained extensive information about Mogar. Therefore, I can assist Master far more effectively than expected.'
Ash's eyes brightened.
That was certainly useful.
'As for the penalty,' Raphael continued, 'the synchronization effect between your two bodies has been reduced.'
'Your Marvel body will receive all benefits gained in Mogar, but at a ratio of one to thirty.'
Ash's lips twitched.
Thirty times weaker.
That was a harsh penalty.
Still, he had expected something like this.
After all, Raphael was an extremely powerful ability.
Compared to what he would gain, the penalty was acceptable.
Most importantly, he finally had a reliable partner.
'Master, I suggest we go to the woods near the village to awaken you, or at least wait until night,' Raphael said.
'Despite your young age, you already possess a bright red mana core that is on the verge of advancing into a deep orange core. This means this body has considerable talent for magic.'
Ash nodded.
From Myra, he had learned that he was only two years old.
Yet despite being so young, he already possessed a bright red core.
That was a clear sign of exceptional magical talent.
Of course, Ash still wanted to awaken properly.
In the world of Supreme Magus, there was a distinction between fake mages and true mages.
Those who could only cast magic through hand signs and chants were considered fake mages.
They relied on external methods to control mana.
True mages, however, were completely different.
A true mage could cast magic using only their thoughts, body, and willpower.
They possessed far greater control over mana.
They were stronger physically, stronger magically, and vastly more versatile in combat.
Most importantly, true mages had far greater potential for growth.
And that was exactly what Ash wanted to become.
A true mage.
Not someone who relied on chants and gestures, but someone who could command magic with nothing more than a thought.
'Then we'll wait until night,' Ash replied.
'Understood, Master,' Raphael answered.
Ash slowly closed his eyes.
His excitement was difficult to suppress.
He had arrived in a world filled with magic.
He possessed a powerful cheat ability.
And now, all that was left was to awaken and start learning magic and growing stronger.
'It's safer to awaken at night than in the woods where there are many beasts roaming around,' he thought.
The Life Woods near Lusar Village was a small forest, but a forest nonetheless.
That meant magical beasts could be found there.
For someone who didn't know any magic yet, going there would be like asking for trouble.
Even if Raphael could guide him, Ash wasn't arrogant enough to underestimate the dangers of Mogar.
This was a world where a moment of carelessness could cost him his life.
He had no intention of becoming another corpse because of his impatience.
'Besides, one more day won't make much of a difference,' Ash thought.
It was better to awaken safely than risk everything for a little extra speed.
With that in mind, Ash decided to wait until night before beginning his awakening.
The rest of the day passed quietly.
He spent most of his time acting like a normal child while Myra took care of patients at her clinic.
Eventually, night arrived.
The village gradually became silent as people returned to their homes and went to sleep.
Ash waited patiently.
Only when he was certain everyone was asleep did he slowly sit up.
He glanced toward Myra's room.
Using his enhanced senses, he could hear her steady breathing.
She was sleeping peacefully.
"Raphael, do it," Ash said inwardly.
'Understood, Master.'
The moment Raphael took control, Ash felt his body become lighter.
His eyes glowed with a faint golden-red light.
Raphael immediately began using Breathing Technique.
At the same time, she carefully guided the mana inside his body.
According to the knowledge she possessed, the difference between a fake mage and a true mage was simple.
A fake mage had a static mana core.
A true mage had an active mana core.
An active mana core constantly circulated mana through the body, strengthening both the mage and their magic.
The process of awakening such a core was neither easy nor pleasant.
Mana began moving around Ash's bright red core.
Slowly at first.
Then faster.
And faster.
Soon, the mana circulation reached every part of his body.