Your Weight in Gold

ARC 1 PART 2

"We, the kingdom of Ignasia, are currently involved in a war with the other three nations of this continent. You four were summoned from your world to take on the abilities of the legendary guardians of gold, silver, copper, and iron who have served this country since the very beginning." The King said, satisfied when I flinched at the sound of his voice and the echo that traveled through the tiles under my hands.

I saw the others stand up, strong and proud. They must have had an easier time getting here. But where was here? Ignasia? The whole thing sounded like dream that was dragging on far too long. I quickly pinched my left arm to no avail. Despite the strong protests of my aching limbs, I lifted myself up and onto my feet in order to get a good look around me. This was...way too detailed to be a dream.

Beautiful mosaics lined the polished floor that connected to walls covered in silk tapestries. The chandeliers that dangled ominously above my head were a dazzling gold and covered with crystals that I would never be able to afford back home. Then, I saw the king. He was a good looking but old man with striking blonde hair and a piercing gaze. He had quite the punchable face, and if we were home, he would definitely be the type of guy to cut me off in a BMW.

"I'm sorry, warriors? What the hell?" I spoke before thinking, and all eyes in the room turned to me, especially those of a boy with dark hair who was closest to me. "Ugh...I should have expected this from a female warrior," He groaned. "Yes, you are all warriors of my kingdom, knights even if you prefer that title. When you were summoned here, one of the great metal spirits fused with your soul and now I shall teach you to harness your abilities."

I nearly burst out laughing, but the gaze of the cute guy beside me made me want to look calm and poised, even if I felt dumb. Was it just me, or was his hair color darker a minute ago? It now sparkled a brilliant silver-grey color. That's cool and all, but I just want to go home. Can you undo the summon?" I frowned and placed my hands on my hips.

"Unfortunately in your case, no that is impossible." The High Priest grumbled. "You were brought here to serve the king, and I hate to say it, but if you were to leave now, the spirit that fused with your body might tear your body to pieces." My eyes widened and I looked over my hands, then arms, and then my torso, searching for a sign that my body had changed. Suddenly, a piece of my hair fell into my view and I almost gasped out loud. My normal plain brown hair that I always hated now appeared like golden threads in my fingers.

Was this all really not a dream? The thought of a spirit fused with my soul made me want to run, though I knew I couldn't if I wanted to survive.

"Your majesty, what are these abilities you mentioned?" A boy with dark grey hair and a pair of glasses balanced perfectly on his nose stepped forward. He looked to be in his twenties, like the other guys around me. The King nodded in response. "Ah yes, of course. The Silver Spirit will give you the strength of hundreds of men, the Copper Spirit grants an agile body that can leap above men and take flight, and lastly, the Iron Spirit shall give you quick-thinking battle skills and reflexes, so fast they are undetectable." The boys looked at each other in awe, trying to figure out who was who.
I already knew he didn't mention me on purpose, so I figured I would bother the old man.

"Hey King! I'm the gold one right? What do I get?" I raised my hand like I was back in class, and again I felt the look of the silver-haired boy next to me burn into my side. The King merely laughed in response. "Oh you don't have to worry about that. The gold spirit is practically useless, can't you tell? Gold bends easily and is not suitable for battle."

I got stuck in this lousy world with a dumb spirit for...nothing???

///AN: I'm seeing that people tended to drop off after this chapter lol. Don't worry!! This is just exposition and our main character does indeed have abilities :)