It's an instinct to protect him whether he likes it or not, and they pass by soldiers without anyone paying attention. Why would they? There's plenty going on, who is coming in and out of the portal doesn't matter right now outside of what they are there to do. Jayce is usually distrustful of the military, but he has become more so once internalized Viktor's concerns about their work being used.

"Luckily, we got a tub big enough for two."

They won't linger in it but at least they can do each step together. Wash, eat, sleep. They step through the portal and immediately everything is different. Cadens isn't full of smoke and death, it's familiar in its sand and life. Brighter, still bustling. It's a stark contrast and Jayce is a little startled by it. There is a lot of action going on right by the portal so they have to move out of the way quickly, but still.

Cadens is familiar so it doesn't take a lot of thought and he hefts the magic satchel on his shoulder, his hand still on Viktor's back.

"That was surreal."