Raymond Suspicions

[Good morning! Are you ready to take on your first task?]

"What does it include? How does this work?"

[You travel to other worlds, planets, and timelines. It's all random where your soul lands. But basically you learn skills and develop your abilities. You also need to gather energy from each trip to give to this world. It needs power to support us. This world is only a child unlike the other worlds that are way ahead of us. You are its owner and you are responsible for upgrading it.]

"Upgrade the world? How do I do that?"

[By giving it power collected from the places you go to. For example, if you were to enter a fantasy world with magic, you can create magic stones or find magic crystals formed by the gathering of mana and let our world absorb the other world's energy from it.]

"What will happen to this body when I travel?"

[No worries. No matter how long you are gone, when you come back, it'll only be a second that has passed. Honestly, it's like your consciousness is the one traveling and when you return, your body will sync with the growth and experiences of the you in other worlds and power up your whole self after returning.]

"Let me stay in the main world for a bit and familiarize myself." 

[Sure! Send a mental command when you are ready and I'll appear and start the transfer. Enjoy!]

Reese sat up from the bed and looked out the glass doors and saw the kingdom brighten from the rising sun. He knew that this world is a historical theme with magic and religious beliefs from playing the game. But he realized a huge difference. There are aliens that have come to this planet and added the sci-fi tag into it. Yesterday, he had seen Raymond raise his wrist and there was a black band. The band was some kind of material that had a bunch of functions. Raymond sent a voice command and instructed his men to clear out. Apparently, Raymond had planned to kill the original and take up the crown. But his appearance changed everything.

 Reese got out of bed and prepared for the day. No one has came to his door this morning.  The servants avoided looking at him as he became familiar with his surroundings. He toured the whole palace in a few days. Today, he was going to visit the knights area. He arrived on the training ground and saw them practicing their weapons. Reese had yet to meet Raymond again. So he assumed the other is busy dealing with communications with aliens and territory attacks from the alien beasts. They call them aliens because they come out of black space cracks randomly around this planet. Reese stayed hidden in the shadows and walked to the dorms. The huge double doors were open, so they should close them at sunset. The two knights were standing on both sides of the door and one of the soldier noticed him.

"Your majesty, why are you here?"

"I'm just taking a stroll. Just act freely."

"Yes, thank you, your majesty."

Reese had gotten used to being treated like a royal by his people. It took him a few days, but now he is able to freely act like one. Getting into his role as a king fairly quickly. Reese was casually exploring the dorms.

"Your majesty, why are you wandering around?"

Reese turned to the voice and Raymond's fierce gaze was stabbing into him. Reese was not afraid and approached the other.

"Teach me how to use a sword."

"...what are you planning?"

"Nothing bad, I realized that without you around. I have no protection and could be in danger."

"..."

"I'm serious about training. Please teach me."

"I can have my subordinate teach you. But I can not intentionally attack you because of the oath."

Raymond still didn't trust Reese but his subordinate hasn't reported any suspicious activity from the other. He decided to toss this problem to his men and will be there to watch the other struggle and give up afterwards. Reese was on the ground, extremely exhausted.

Raymond was silent the whole time he watched the knight he assigned to be Reeses's instructor defeat the other down multiple times. The other refused to give up and continued to stand up and fight. Raymond's impression of Reese finally shifted. Pondering the differences, he searched his memory for when this change could have happened. His eyes widened slightly, Reese's entire personality and character had changed that night. From being crude and disgustingly overbearing to a firm gaze and a confident way he held himself. He didn't talk in an annoying rough tone but a steady and clear tone.

Like a completely different person. Did another soul take over the body? But the other didn't have the awkwardness of being in a different body. Raymond was skeptical and perplexed. He finally couldn't stay silent and watch the other get beaten down again for the nth time anymore and ended the training.

"Alright, rest for the afternoon. Your majesty can train again tomorrow."

Reese was too exhausted and only nodded his agreement. He was dead tired on the ground, trying to calm his pulsing heart. Raymond let the knight go and waited for Reese to stand up. Reese sat up after a while and tried to stand but his legs were beaten black and blue like the rest of his body. This pain was worse than the muscle soreness of working out and doing a sport. Reese frowned and was helpless.

"Um, Sir Raymond. Can you help me back to my room?"

"…"

Raymond knew this was not the original king. The way Reese expressed his embarrassment about his predicament and had a guilty tone of not wanting to impose but had to ask him was not at all what the old king would do or say. He let go of the disgust and irritation he had of his old impression of the other. Raymond kneeled on one knee and scooped the smaller built male into his arms.

"Wah!"

Reese had not expected Raymond to carry him. He thought he could use a shoulder to help him stand and walk back.

"Um, Sir Raymond. Please put me down. I must be very heavy to carry as a man."

"…"

Reese was blushing from being carried like a delicate lady. Raymond observed Reese as he went to the main palace. Reese slowly relaxed in Raymond's arms. He was worn out and was sleepy from the stable arms of the other. Although he was careful with his actions around Raymond after that night, so that he would not be killed from the sword he crafted and gifted to the other, Raymond is still the character he raised for a long time. He had his full trust for Raymond. He knows all of Raymond's habits, likes, and dislikes. Reese understood and agreed with Raymond's action of killing the original. The original is scum. But now he had replaced the original so he needed to survive and hope to get along with Raymond like in their dynamic in his original world.

Raymond felt Reese's head rest on his chest. Reese had fallen asleep. Raymond couldn't tell if this new soul was defenseless or what but to fall asleep without care of what he could do to him was not good. What would happen if it was a bad person? Raymond sighed and gently supported Reese in one arm to open the door with his other hand. He placed the other on the bed and wasn't sure what to do next.