Revenge
With his Overloaded Aether Stats, Jake was definitely fast. Despite the lead of the other deserters, Jake caught up with them in a flash, overtaking them like a hurricane a few seconds later. Once assured that he had some cannon fodder in his back ready to serve as a distraction in his place, Jake heaved a deep sigh of relief.
That didn't stop him from racing at his top speed, though. Soon he caught up with the first fugitives, including the two former Ducal guards of the two princesses. Although they were older than the other soldiers, they were, to his surprise, almost as fast as he was. Either they had surpassed the 100-point limit, or their bodies were different from his. This was not impossible considering they came from another world.
When Jake passed them in turn, the eyes of the two gawking guards suddenly popped out as if they couldn't believe it. Where the hell did this guy come from?