MTLNOVEL Chapter 106: Trinity Bracer
Everyone was amazed at the works of Gringo. Not only could he manipulate Divine Frames, but he was also capable of imprinting such power into physical objects, transforming them into powerful artifacts.
The air seemed to hum with mana as his presence lingered over the group. Even Auren felt goosebumps creep along his arms, as though standing near a storm about to break.
"I know you are curious about its true description. Here, let me show you."
Gringo's tone carried the weight of someone who had long stopped seeking approval, someone who knew his own greatness.
He waved his hand toward the bracer on Auren's wrist, and with a flash of brilliance, its divine frame shifted. What had once been ordinary shimmered with radiant lines of light, unveiling its true form.
A crystalline sound chimed through the air.
Ting!~
*
Name: Trinity Bracer
Crafted by: Gregorio De Suga
Type: Artifact
Effects:
+5% Mental and Physical Damage Reduction
+15% Wind, Fire, and Lightning Resistance
Capable of Transmogrifying into three forms with different divine frames: Herbalist Form, Knight Form, and Magician Form.
Limitation: Once the user is struck by a critical hit, the disguise will wear off.
Description: A special bracer made specifically for ________.
*Forged by combining three small runic beads and rare leathers with unique properties, sewn together through mana infusion and Arcane resin.
*Transformation becomes disabled once the item is removed.
*
The glow dimmed, and silence filled the room for a heartbeat and soon, the legendary bracer's frame changed back to the normal one.
"Wow! Isn't this an accessory type that belongs to a legendary level?!"
Auren could not hold back his excitement. His eyes widened so much they nearly popped from their sockets. His heart raced. This was no longer a dream- it was real, solid, and strapped onto his wrist!
Austaire, standing beside him, had no words. Her jaw went slack, her hands curling into fists as if to restrain the tide of envy building inside. She could only stare in shock at the artifact, a rare creation worth more than most empires' treasures.
Gringo, meanwhile, wore a smirk that stretched with pride. His chest puffed slightly as he let their awe wash over him.
"Of course, it's a legendary grade! I made that myself! The legendary Gringo!"
Auren snapped his head toward him, eyes sparkling with gratitude. "Right! Thank you, Mr. Legendary Gringo!"
The exchange was lighthearted, but the atmosphere in the chamber carried an undercurrent of reverence. Everyone knew they were standing in the presence of something few would ever witness in their lives.
The next moment, Auren raised his wrist and activated the bracer, eager to test its promised power. The magical artifact pulsed warmly, resonating with his mana.
First came the Herbalist form. Auren touched the tiny yellow bead on the side.
Shooom~
A swirl of golden-green light engulfed him, bending his frame and reshaping his presence. His once youthful figure elongated into that of a tall man in his thirties.
His skin deepened into a light brown shade, his hair became neatly black, and his build settled into an average yet sturdy shape. Deep green clothes wrapped him, paired with boots caked in imaginary soil and a wide farmer's hat atop his head.
It was uncanny, seamless, as if reality itself had been rewritten.
His Divine Frame surged into new lines of light before their eyes:
*
Name: Herbon
Level: 25
Title: Careful
Class: Herbalist
*
With a flick of his finger, Auren summoned a mirror from his storage ring. He stared into it, and for the first time in his life, his reflection bore the glow of a Divine Frame.
His breath hitched. His chest trembled.
A sense of belonging that had been absent his entire life finally washed over him, like water pouring over parched earth.
"Amazing," he whispered. His voice cracked with emotion. "Not only has my attire changed, but even my body has changed. Yet... deep within, I can still feel my own normal body."
Gringo chuckled knowingly, his arms folding behind his back.
"That's right. Because the trick here is not really transforming your body. It is just a trick with lights using mana and magic. Your body is covered by particles of magical light, weaving together and combining colors to mimic your new form. It is an art that only a unique class known as the Light Painter can achieve."
His tone was calm, yet his pride rang clear.
He stepped closer, eyes glinting. "If you wish to put another layer of clothing over this, you can. As long as you keep the bracer on, your disguised body will remain the same."
"I see. That's truly amazing, Mr. Gringo." Auren's lips curled into a wide grin. He clenched his fist and, unable to contain his excitement, he channeled mana into the bracer once more.
Shooom~
*
Name: Nathan
Level: 30
Title: Courageous
Class: Knight
*
This time his form rippled and grew bulkier. Auren transformed into a muscular man with a square-shaped face.
His broad shoulders carried an air of intimidation, his skin now tanned, his jaw sharp, and his expression hardened with determination. Silk clothing clung to him, stretched over bulging muscle. His voice, when he spoke, resonated deeper, like stone grinding on stone.
Austaire narrowed her eyes, studying the transformation. Her envy eased into admiration. "This is a good choice if we wanted to infiltrate the army," she said softly. Her tone carried both calculation and approval.
Auren nodded.
"Now for the final form..." His voice was low with anticipation. He activated the last bead.
Shooom~
*
Name: Mace
Level: 35
Title: Silent Caster
Class: Elementalist
*
Auren's form sharpened into one carrying an aura of arcane mystery. His eyes glowed faintly, his features softened into one less threatening but far more enigmatic. The air around him buzzed faintly, as though mana responded instinctively to his presence.
"I think this is perfect," Auren said.
His lips curled with confidence specialy with the Title that came with it. He knew his greatest strength was not chanting like the rest. Unlike others, he activated skills with sheer thought, and that unpredictability made him far more dangerous.
Gringo whistled approvingly, then turned lazily toward the tiny Bonbon who was yawning beside him.
"Now for the best part. Just like old times, I want my compensation. And it better be worth my effort."
Bonbon scratched his tiny ears with his little legs, completely unfazed. "Yeah yeah. I know. Here you go."
The creature opened its mouth unnaturally wide. From within came a sparkling purple bottle, launched into the air as if propelled by a spring.
"Is this it?" Gringo caught it swiftly, his hands trembling ever so slightly despite his composed demeanor.
Auren and Austaire leaned closer, curiosity flaring at the so-called payment.
The bottle glowed faintly, as though life itself swirled inside it.
Ting!
*
Name: Potion of Eternal Youth
Type: Legend Grade Elixir
Crafted by: Elavarhn
Description: A legendary elixir made from the extracted life essence of Vhalka, Blood Orchadium, Teardrop of Phoenix Blood, powdered Sun Saint Pearl, and Thugkan Slime.
Warning: Not Applicable to Non-Humans.
*
Auren's breath caught. Austaire's eyes nearly rolled back from shock.
"What the- how do you have that?" their voices overlapped, disbelief flooding every word.
Auren, especially, could not stop staring.
As someone who had practiced potion crafting, his jaw slackened in awe. His mind raced.
'Just those ingredients alone... I don't even know what some of those are!' His fists clenched.
'I still have a lot to learn. But maybe... someday... I will craft something like this.'
Gringo's grin widened until it nearly split his face.
"Aaah. Yes. Finally!" His voice burst with satisfaction. "This is truly worth the materials and life force I poured into crafting those artifacts."
"Pfft. Don't be so full of yourself," Bonbon mocked.
The tiny creature's eyes narrowed, its tone sharp.
"You just happen to be the only capable Light Painter. But let me warn you: that item alone is enough to start a Kingdom or Empire war if anyone learns you have it. Since it's useless to me, I parted with it. But be careful, Gringo. Don't show it to anyone, especially those from outside the empire."
For once, Gringo grew silent. He carefully placed the bottle into his storage ring. His face hardened, shadowed with thoughts he did not share. "Don't worry. I have a different purpose for it."
He turned to Auren and Austaire, his eyes sharp now. "As for you two, keep those artifacts safe. Hide them as much as you can. I don't want unnecessary trouble finding its way to me."
They both nodded solemnly.
"Alright. Bring me back before that crazy fool notices my absence," he said, gesturing toward Bonbon.
The little beast rolled its eyes and opened another dimensional portal.
Gringo approached the swirling gate, his cloak fluttering in its pull. He stopped only to smirk one last time. "Until next time. If you want my service, you know where to find me. And my fee will remain the same."
"Yeah yeah. Now go. Don't forget to tell the crazy fool that Elarya sends her regards and that she still loves him."
Gringo paused mid-step, his eyes widening. "What? Is she serious? You know what those words mean, right? She might summon him to her forest in an instant!"
Bonbon snickered. "Hehehe. Just kidding. She says fuck you." The creature laughed wickedly, then added with a sharp tone, "Tell them this: whatever happens to Austerra, keep his hands and army away. These two will handle it." Its gaze flicked to Auren and Austaire, heavy with an unspoken weight.
Gringo raised an eyebrow but shrugged. "Fine. Is that all?"
"That's all."
Without another word, he disappeared into the portal.
Left alone, Bonbon turned to the two young men, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Alright, kids. What's the plan? And you better make it fun."
Far away, inside the Mana Tower near the magnificent Imperial Castle, another portal swirled open. Gringo stepped out, still wearing a victorious grin.
"I believe I deserve some news, Gringo."
The voice was low, dangerous.
Seated in a dusty chair was a man in his forties, his massive body cloaked in shadow. Only his eyes glowed red, piercing like those of a stalking beast. On his shoulder perched a crimson swallow, eerily silent.
Gringo's grin faltered. He bent slightly at the waist, his voice casual. "I greet the crazy fool."
"I presume you have a death wish?" The man's deep voice rumbled with menace.
"Apologies. I misspoke." Gringo straightened his robe, dusted himself off, then bowed again, this time with true respect. "I greet thy majesty, Emperor Romeov. You look as powerful as alwa- "
"Any news about my lovely Elarya?" Emperor Romeov cut him off, his eyes narrowing.
"Well..."
"Answer me."
Gringo hesitated, then flicked the Immortality bottle and gulped it down nervously before blurting out, "She says... fuck you, loser."
The chamber echoed with a thunderous crack. A single punch, light by Romeov's standards, yet more than enough to kill.
Gringo's body crumpled, but his eyes fluttered open again. The Elixir of Immortality had done its work. He gasped for air, trembling but alive.
As for Auren and the others, they spent the following days in intense preparation. The winds of destiny stirred above Austerra. Visitors would soon arrive- visitors who would change its fate forever.