I bent over and glared at Milliard between sprints. “Huff…huff…Why are you…even here…if you can run…like that?”
He smiled and flexed. “This is just a good warmup for my own training later. I’m just here to see you through your first day before my graduate classes.”
“How…huff…huff are you even that fast and strong? It’s damn near…unnatural.”
“It’s simple really! Years of training! Also, your natural Spirit Energy reserves increase as you develop and that naturally increases your base physical capabilities. I’m sure it’ll happen for you eventually.”
“Isn’t that cheating?”
“Nope, in fact it’s encouraged! The more you practice refining your Spirit Arts, the more powerful you become!”
After the run, I approached Marcus. “Hey, I’m James your new squad mate! Nice to meet you!”
He was looking away from me, staring at the city as if his gaze would cause the world to burn. He did a double take the moment he saw me, but instantaneously regained his composure. “Stay away from me.” He walked away a bit faster than his usual plodding pace.
That was weird. He was probably just tired from the run. I’ll try again later.
I’m one of the world’s biggest introverts, so I understand how other introverts like him feel. I always try to reach out and be the friend I wished would have reached out to me. Micah kind of had a similar reputation as the bad kid when we first got to college. We came in together as freshmen, but it only took him a few days of being in our football program for him to start ranting and raving about how antiquated the way things were run, along with his scathing condemnations of our coach’s character. I’m ashamed to say that I judged him just like everyone else, especially after the horrors of our situation were revealed to be worse than I ever could’ve imagined. I was even more ashamed when I got to know him and found out that he was an amazing guy who was misunderstood and shunned because the coaches didn’t like him. That was a point we related on, along with us both being walk-ons, and that ended up being the catalyst for our friendship. I will get through to him. I won’t make the same mistake again.
We went inside and started lifting weights. It was interesting that the lift was co-ed. Everyone performed the same exercises, and the girls simply adjusted the weight to what worked for them. I was the third strongest person behind Milliard and Marcus, but unlike my football teammates, the other men here were only a few pounds behind me. I could tell that everyone, even the skinnier guys, were at or approaching their maximum strength capacity. Even the girls could out lift some of the people on my team. It was obvious that these students had been lifting properly for years and were committed to maximizing their physical potential.
I absolutely love this. I was filled with joy as the competitive atmosphere drove me to train at my best for the first time in years. The energy in the room was infectious. Everyone here pushed themselves and were excited for the opportunity to improve. Mr. G didn’t say a word because the students lifted with enthusiasm and perfect form. I could tell screaming and yelling wasn’t really his style anyway.
We proceeded outside, and Mr. G gathered the group. “We’ve got a special treat today ladies and gentlemen.” He glared at Marcus. “I got distracted by some belligerence earlier, otherwise I would have introduced him then...” He gestured to my calves. “But I’m sure you’ve all seen him by now, I mean look at those calves right…” The crowd laughed as he slapped me on the shoulder. “This is James Fos. He will be joining our prestigious program effective immediately. Make him feel welcome.”
CLAP! CLAP! CLAP! CLAP!
“We will now see what kind of Spirit Art he possesses.”
The circle of student’s circumference expanded, as they whispered. “I wonder what he can do…”. “Look at his hair, he’s probably a commoner…”, ”I bet he’s like Marcus, or that he doesn’t even have any Spiritual Energy…”. “Maybe he’s a Flame Craft user like me...”
Milliard entered the circle, and they snapped to attention. “Alright James, take my hands. I’m going to funnel Spirit Energy into you, and it will reveal which Spirit Art you have. I didn’t get a chance to explain before, but most people’s Spiritual Energy manifests into a specific elemental power. It’s usually hereditary, so I guess we’ll find out what your parents can do too! Some people have unique abilities that can’t be categorized traditionally, and we call them specialists. It’s very rare, and Akri said he didn’t detect one in you, so I’ll say more on that later if it comes up.”
“I’m not sure how I feel about holding hands with men…” I said as the students laughed. “But alright let’s get this over with.”
“Ha! You might be as funny as me James! But not quite.” He took my hands, and I immediately felt a rush of power like lightning entering my body. A golden radiance enveloped us as it illuminated the area. The circle of students continued to expand as the energy’s intensity increased. On Milliard’s side, the color shifted into a piercing, crimson light that filled the sky. It was brighter than staring into the sun, and its warmth soothed everyone in the vicinity.
Love what you're reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.
Mr. G gawked. “Incredible! Milliard, your energy has grown even more powerful and refined than last time! Students, take note! This is truly something you only see once in a lifetime!”
Suddenly, the energy on my side rose to match his intensity as it shined with a multicolored brilliance. The vibrant display was stunning. Each color of the rainbow was present, and the energy raged against Milliard’s as they battled to overtake each other. Yes! I’m dope as hell! Wait, is that a streak of black in the rainbow? Weird…
Mr. G shed a tear. “Hmph, well would you look at that. I never thought I’d see the day…”
Milliard cut off the flow of his power and the light show slowly faded away. I looked around and every jaw was agape.
Milliard chuckled. “Incredible, James. I knew I made the right choice. You might be able to even surpass me one day.”
“Sounds like someone had a change of heart! But you don’t have to worry about losing your spot because I’ll be home before that happens.” I rubbed my bare chin. “That was pretty and all, but I don’t know what any of that was or have a clue what it means.”
“Oooh! I have an idea! Think of a light beam shooting out from your hand James!” Milliard said.
I reached out my hand and thought of shooting a laser beam like I had seen in anime. Suddenly, my palm became warm, and a streak of yellow light burst forth. It unfortunately wasn’t very bright, and it meandered through the air like a sick firefly. Milliard casually swatted it away and it dispersed.
My eyes widened. “Oh my God! That’s amazing! I have powers like you Milliard!”
“And not just that! Try shooting water next!” I followed the same pattern, and a stream of water burst forth.
“Whoa, sweet! Am I the Avatar or something?!”
“I’m not exactly sure what that means, but yes! You’re the avatar of coolness! I believe with enough training James; you could wield every single Spirit Art! Maybe even more! Who knows what the potential of your growth is! The sky is limitless for you!”
Maybe staying here and becoming Aang wouldn’t be the worst thing…I wonder if there’s a Katara here…
We tried the same pattern with the other elements, Fire, Earth, and Wind. I was able to summon a stream of wind and lift pebbles with my mind! As I demonstrated each ability, I got a roaring cheer from my peers. It all stopped when I couldn’t even muster a smolder of smoke as I tried to conjure fire.
“Ugh! I can’t even make a spark! Why can’t I use fire?! And why is my light so weak compared to the other elements!”
“Interesting! I’m sure Ms. Williams will explain this later, but a person’s disposition and inherent spiritual gifts have a great deal to do with what Art they are able to use, as well as its potency.”
Mr. G smiled. “Excellent! You have a bright future James, but it’s time to get back to work. Everyone, pick a sparring partner and get to it!”
The students dispersed and bantered as they chose partners. Five large training areas rose from the ground as each pair moved to a different circle and started sparring. Milliard and Mr. G went around coaching and instructing the pairs, and I was left standing in the same place. Nobody approached me to be partners. I started to panic a little as my mind wandered to the past. Nobody wants me…again…
I pushed down my fear and anxiety.
I went to find Milliard.
He’s a friend.
“Hey Milliard, I know I’m new here and all, but I just wowed everyone with my super awesome powers. Why doesn’t anyone want to spar with me?”
“That’s simple silly. Because you…SUCK!”
I did a double take. “Excuse me? What do you mean I suck?! I could blow away anyone here with all these elements! Everyoneelse here only has one! And plus, I’m black! So, you know I got hands too!”
“Yeah, no... I doubt you would stand a chance against the weakest person here. These students are like me. They’ve been fighting and training since they were little. You’re so soft that I bet you haven’t even been in a street fight!”
Shit! How did he know I haven’t been in a fight before…But I can’t just accept this disrespect!
“Hell nah, you got me fu…messed up! You’re trying to say that one of these girls could whoop my ass?! That’s preposterous and straight up disrespectful! Put me against the strongest person you got!”
“Well…that would be me…but I don’t think that would be very appropriate. Let’s see…You can fight my little brother Epios if you want a challenge. He’s the third highest graded fighter at the academy.” He turned and shouted. “Epios, come here for a minute!”
A very tall, strong looking-white man came over from his pairing with a drop-dead gorgeous girl. My eyes lingered on her beautiful long, blonde hair and bright blue eyes. Damn. I usually don’t go for snow bunnies…but she might be changing my mind!
His brother scowled as he approached, and he looked like a prime, white Cam Newton. “Whatever could it be brother? Your future ruler’s glorious match is on the horizon! I am at the precipice of another opportunity to display my overwhelming dominance!”
As soon as he opened his mouth, I could feel my blood start to simmer. “You two, are brothers?”
“Yes indeed! He’s the king’s biological son. Akri and I were both adopted. He’s also our squad mate.” Milliard turned to face him. “Epios, I want you to spar with James first. Your ego clearly doesn’t need any more stroking, but I’m sure you’ll make quick work of him. Then you and Laura can have a real match afterward.”
“Brother, your motivations for continuously associating with street trash are beyond even my astronomical intellect. The fact that you would dare ask me to sully my royal hand by touching this no-good ruffian shows that you still have much to learn about royalty...” He sighed. “And yet, I will indulge you. But only out of respect for your title as our current Archigos. A title that will be bestowed upon me as I am owed upon my graduation.”
Milliard cringed. “You know you must win the Tournament of Champions and then pass the Mastery Exams…you know what, never mind. Just please battle James so I can get back to work.”
My blood was boiling. His sense of pride and entitlement were almost tangible. Nothing pisses me off more than people like him. “I’m finna whoop your ass pretty boy, I hope you know that.”
“Step into the ring, fiend. That light show was decent enough, but I intend to reveal your true colors.”
Thanks for reading Spirit Warriors by Caleb James!
If you’re enjoying the story, here’s how you can stay ahead and support the series:
New chapters drop every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Want to read this week’s chapters + next week’s chapters early?
?? Join the Patreon for just $5 and get early access before public release:
https://patreon.com/cjcreates
Prefer binge-reading?
The full novel is available now on Amazon as an ebook for $9.99:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/YOUR-LINK-HERE
A full comic adaptation of Spirit Warriors is launching soon.
Follow the official socials to see art, trailers, memes, videos, and updates:
- Instagram: @cjcrcreatezz | @spiritwarriorsofficial
- YouTube: @cjcreatess
- X (Twitter): @thecj95 | @spiritwarriors0
- Spirit Warriors Discord Community:
- TikTok: @cjcreatez | @spiritwarriorsofficial
If you’re loving the story, a favorite, follow, rating, or comment helps more than you know. It pushes the story to new readers and keeps the world growing.
Thank you for being part of Spirit Warriors. ??