Mystic Overlord: Reading Gives Strength
Chapter 35 Peddler ’Sir

Chapter 35: Chapter 35 Peddler ’Sir

Clang, clang—

When Ronald opened his eyes on the bench inside the train compartment,

the sun had not yet risen.

His blurred vision passed through the window, where only a pale azure cloud brightened on the horizon, while the train beneath him still rhythmically sped along the railroad.

Across from him, the merchant was still resting,

yet unlike last night, when he slept in his clothes, Nassos was now wrapped in a coat.

Watching his companion,

Ronald remembered the Latin phrase Nassos had uttered before jumping on the train last night,

"VERIENDO—yo—efcriuir—la—Hiftoria—dela—Anatomia!"

Translated literally, it meant, ’I have seen the boundless expanse of anatomy.’

More coincidentally, Ronald knew this phrase.

Or rather, due to his job, he was supposed to know this phrase.

Within the collection of the World Digital Library, there was a book titled "Human Body Construction," 104667kb in size, its author was a man born into a doctor’s family in Brussels under the rule of the Habsburg Netherlands.

— André Vésale.

One of two major figures of the scientific revolution during the Renaissance in sixteenth-century Europe, along with the heliocentrism adherent Copernicus.

His most famous achievement was the founding of modern human anatomy.

In his great work "Human Body Construction," the very first sentence under the 19-page table of contents was ’I have seen the boundless expanse of anatomy.’

The moment Nassos exhibited superhuman abilities last night,

Ronald had heard this phrase from his mouth.

Based on what he had seen and heard since crossing over, he boldly speculated that the book "Human Body Construction" existed in this world too, and it was also a canonical Magic Book.

Nassos belonged to a mysterious sect

which must have been developed based on "Human Body Construction"!

In his own hands, the "Rain Mist Divine Hammer" could avoid rain and control thunder, while the "Divine Comedy—Hell" could activate abilities corresponding to the nine circles of Hell.

Thus, "Human Body Construction" must bring abilities closely related to the human body.

That was the reason Nassos could display such astonishing strength.

Reflecting on his experiences over this period, Ronald’s curiosity grew more intense.

What kind of connection existed between the two worlds that could produce such peculiar phenomena?

"It’s getting more and more interesting."

Subconsciously, Ronald let out an almost imperceptible sigh.

As a result, Nassos stirred.

Wrapped in his coat, his body turned outward, and he naturally sat up.

"Hmm..."

"Ronald, are you awake?"

Stretching his arms around his waist, Nassos relaxed his body and greeted Ronald at the same time.

Watching his somewhat languid companion, Ronald’s eyes drifted to his hands.

At this moment Nassos, stretching a lazy back, showed no sign of having an arm that couldn’t move.

"Nassos..."

"Is your hand alright?"

"Yes, at least it can move normally now."

Without further explanation, Nassos simply nodded in acknowledgement.

Then, the merchant leaned down to pull a wooden carrying case from beneath the seat, gently placing it on the table between them.

Click—

Skillfully manipulating the combination lock, Nassos opened the case and first took out a piece of paper, handing it to Ronald.

"This is the ticket for this car; keep it safe."

"Remember, you can go to the dining car for a free meal at noon and evening."

"Hmm."

Taking the paper, Ronald could see the date and time on the ticket.

It was a ticket sold by the originating station three days before the departure of the Eastern Wind steam train, allowing the holder to ride the train until they arrived at the final station, Springs.

Then, Nassos pulled out a towel from the case and passed it over:

"We’ve been in the wilderness these days; let’s go to the end of the car and wash up in a bit."

"By the way, have you ever used paste tooth powder?"

While speaking, a metal tube and a wooden-handled toothbrush were also placed in front of Ronald. He immediately recognized the so-called paste tooth powder as identical to toothpaste found on Earth.

"I know how to use it."

Ronald successively took the items handed over by Nade, casting a curious glance at the suitcase.

Because his back was facing him, he couldn’t see clearly what else was inside.

But there were towels and toothpaste.

He felt there was something subtly off about this suitcase...

With a light snap, the suitcase closed.

Nade did not give Ronald a chance to have a clear look inside; he locked the suitcase and stood up,

"Let’s go tidy up."

"Okay."

Following Nade, the two slid open the train door and stepped out.

It might have been because it was still early morning, although the luxury carriage had turned off the night lighting oil lamps, they had yet to see any passengers coming out to move around.

The train guard was different from last night when they had sneaked in.

This young man was leaning against the wall at the end of the train, casually surveying the carriage corridor.

Even when he saw Ronald and Nade emerging, he did not pay too much attention.

They crossed the carpeted corridor.

Ronald and his companion reached a small compartment connected to a water tank.

Although small in area, it had two side-by-side connected sinks, just enough to accommodate two people using them at the same time.

With a whoosh,

He turned on the tap, and the clear water flowed down in front of him.

Ronald began to wash up using the nostalgic wash set in his hands.

Due to manufacturing issues, the material for the toothbrushes here was still animal bristle, and the feeling of stiff bristles brushing inside his mouth was really not as comfortable as synthetic fibers...

Meanwhile, beside him,

Nade, deeply bending over to clean his teeth, showed no sign of discomfort on his face.

Looking at his slight nod,

He seemed quite enjoying it...

Wait a minute—

Suddenly, Ronald realized there was something amiss with his companion.

Should he give him a reminder...?

The clean-up did not take long.

Once the two had sorted out their appearances, the train’s speed had already begun to slow down.

The wilderness alongside the tracks had also turned into cultivated farmland.

The train was about to arrive—

After packing up their toiletries, Nade directly threw everything into the trash can.

He patted his clothes with his hands to make his expression as solemn as possible.

Looking directly into Ronald’s eyes, the traveling merchant extended his right hand:

"Ronald."

"I’m very glad to have met you on this journey."

"..."

Gazing at each other, Ronald was silent for a second, then grasped the offered hand.

"Me too."

"Then, till we meet again."

"Goodbye."

The two hands shook heavily, then separated.

Without hesitating further, Nade turned and walked away.

Not back to the carriage.

It was the direction to leave the train.

"..."

Watching as Nade’s figure gradually receded.

Ronald thought for a moment and finally reminded him before he left:

"Nade, when you brush your teeth,"

"You bend over too much!"

Hearing this reminder,

The ’Mister’ merchant’s figure staggered visibly and then disappeared at the end of the carriage—