Fortunately, before the first rocket exploded in his face, Michael had already donned a matte-black suit of heavy armor.
It protected him from the worst of the impact.
The armor was nothing special. It was made of mystical steel, but like all Awakened items, it was exceptionally durable.
Most mundane weapons couldn't pierce it, and so, he was left mostly unscathed by the explosions.
Since he kept the visor of his helmet down, his peripheral vision was slightly blocked. Other than that — and his rapidly draining Essence pool — he had no major issues.
As soon as the explosions ceased, he darted forward through the settling dust.
The guards didn't even notice him until it was too late.
Closing in on the nearest enemy, he used the flat side of his longsword to swat at the man's head, knocking him cold.
Without missing a beat, he thrust his leg into the chest of another who charged him, flinging the man backward like a paper doll.
