Naren was sitting in his room, reflecting on the day. It had been a long day of work on the docks, especially since the demand for metal had gone up across the nation; forcing him to work double shifts. Coming home wasn’t even a highlight considering he lived alone in an apartment he could barely afford. Most of what he hauled was the low end materials like iron or steel. It was heavy and the pay was low, but it was consistent.

Naren never was the most excelled and even though he had some nice skills, he was like most others and barely knew how to use them. It was always odd to Naren that everyone was born with these skills but few actually practiced them to a higher degree, but not everyone is equipped to handle the strain. Most are just content to come home and live their lives. Training the few skills they needed for work, at work. It was a good system, given its class disparities between the strong/elite and the weak. But overall, most were well enough off.

Naren crossed his one room dwelling to grab some food when the notification hit.

Due to this worlds static status, a new group of travelers has been introduced. None of the Thrones have yet been filled and this world is growing stagnant. The incentive in ascending a Throne is dominion over its map, and power with which to rule it. Allow these newcomers to stir your competitive spirits. Train your skills, battle for glory, and take a Throne. Good Luck

Naren’s hand froze in its reach to the counter. Newcomers? The Thrones? Sure the Thrones have always been empty, but that’s because none have been able to meet the criteria. Instead of having a King or Queen take over an area, the cities have developed their own governments. Each had its own interests and laws. The people abide by them and work to thrive. That’s just simply the way it works. No one can take a Throne, and even if they did, no one would change or adapt to respect it. Or maybe people would if the world were to intervene.

In any case, it was all above Naren’s head, this wasn’t his line or work or worry. He didn’t much care for who made the rules or who sat in power. He just wanted to live his mundane life of work and solace. Or at least that’s all he’s ever wanted before. Ignoring the notification, Naren grabbed some bread from his shelf above his counter and crossed to his bed. He sat down to eat something when his door started banging.

BOOM. BOOM. BOOM. “Hello, are you home Naren?” It was Naren’s friend from the docks. “No Aaron, I’m not home.” “If you weren’t home than why are you answering? Come on man, open up.” Naren really didn’t have patience for this but he was kinda stuck. He didn’t want to be rude but he also wasn’t in the mood to hang out and listen to Aaron’s rambling. “Fine, hold up.” Consigning himself to a longer day than he expected, Naren got up from his bed to open the door.

Aaron walked in the room before Naren even finished opening the door. “Did you see the notification? I bet a bunch of people are going to try again; just like the last time we got a world notification. And what about the newcomers? Do you think they’re strong? Do you think one of them will ascend one of the Thrones? What if they do and they take over and rule awfully?” This start of the conversation was exactly why Naren didn’t want to open the door. Turning to face Aaron he closed the door and look at him. Aaron seemed more animated than normal but was almost always this talkative.

“I don’t know man, I doubt anyone will claim a Throne. People have been trying for hundreds of years and no ones done it yet. No reason why new people who don’t understand this world would be the first to do it.” Aaron’s face fall, he had one of those faces that looked familiar no matter wether you knew him or not. He had a prominent jawline with a sharp nose. His eyes were a little high over his cheek bones that stood out in his appearance, but his sandy blonde hair smoothed out his look and made him seem friendly. “Yeah? Well I hope someone finally does claim a Throne,” said Aaron dejectedly. The sudden change in his demeanor through Naren off.

“Why so serious all of a sudden?” Naren asked sincerely, this side of Aaron rarely on display. “I don’t know. I’m just tired of not knowing what happens when someone claims a Throne! I want to know what abilities that grants them. Maybe I want to claim a Throne. Maybe I want to travel the world and go on adventures or develop new skills and train them.” “Then why don’t you?” Naren was serious, if anyone he knew could claim a Throne, it would be Aaron, who’s usual excitement knew no bounds.

Aaron, who was sitting at Naren’s wood table leaned toward Naren and asked, “do you want to come with me? We could go anywhere, do anything, be anyone! It would be so cool!” After a moment of consideration, Naren folded his arms and looked to Aaron’s excited face. “I don’t know man, I’m not sure that life is cut out for me. I just want to work at the docks and come home every day, maybe find a girl at the tavern and settle down. I don’t know.”

At this point Naren was running his thumb across his fingers on his right hand, the answer leaving him feeling awkwardly open. Naren heard his answer and some part of him considered the possibility of traveling. His goals so far sounded sad and depressing. Maybe a change in scenery was needed for him, and the offer had him thinking. The small part of him that only came out in dreams whispered greatness in his ear. It forced the image of a golden crown fitted with gems resting on his head while he sat in a massive hall. This image called him, compelled him, to go with his friend.