It seemed to happen all at once, it was over in an instant.

At the cry of its name Percival seemed to soar into battle, intent on eliminating the zombies before us.

As Percival cleaved and danced around the zombies, I found myself entranced by the sight, is this really my other self? It seemed so skillful and strong, it was like my complete opposite.

Am I ready to wield this power?

No! Concentrate Mash, no time to get distracted.

Taking a deep breath, I steel myself and slap both of my cheeks and refocus once more on the battle.

The sting on my cheeks is a lot stronger than I expected, my hands feel odd as well.

Looking down on myself I yelp in surprise at the sight of my radically changed outfit.

It was a mix between a bodysuit and medieval armor, its body was black and dark purple in the edges.

When did I change into this? Was it when I summoned Percival?

So many questions but I can't get side tracked again. I'll have to think about this later.

"Raaagh!"

Oh my, it seems like Percival has dissipated and only three more zombies remained.

It seems like something I can handle.

I can do this.

Taking another deep breath, I take a cautious step forward I place myself far enough that it would be easy for me to run away if something goes wrong.

"Engaging the enemy."

And with those words, I leap into the fray.

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Immediately entering battle, I do a hasty sidestep as a zombie lunges at me.

Alright now to counter.

Gathering my courage, I let loose a powerful yell and attempt to punch the zombie.

Instead of my fist impacting the zombie, a black cross-like shield materializes and caves in the skull of the zombie causing it to collapse down to the ground.

That's unexpected but not unwelcome.

I wonder if I have any more abilities hidden away? I'm probably not strong enough for it yet so I'll have to focus on the two remaining zombies for now.

"Raggggh!"

Speaking of, they seemed to have become enraged its power seems to have grown quite a bit.

I'll need some help for this.

Bracing myself against my shield, I gather the familiar power burning inside of me and let it surge out to summon Percival.

"Strike them down, Percival!"

In a flash of blue light Percival reappears and dives forward again letting loose a powerful cleave that cuts deeply into the shoulder of the leftmost zombie and eliminating it.

The last zombie growls and lunges at Percival, who blocks the lunge and throws the zombie far backwards, this is my chance to finish it!

"Percival, Cleave!"

With a flourish, Percival dives forward and swings his sword once more, this time cutting the zombie's neck of with its blade.

As the zombie falls over dead, Percival disappears leaving me alone to deal with the aftermath of my first battle.

=======================================================================================================================================

With my heartbeat drumming in my ears, I touch every inch and corner of my body to check my status.

After finding nothing wrong I felt myself grow both calm and giddy at the same time.

I did it! I won my first battle!

I, Mash Kyrielight have emerged victorious in battle!

It seems like I can do it after all.

And not a single injury to speak of!

I would jump for joy but it seemed like my adrenaline was wearing off, draining my energy and causing me to slump to the floor.

It would seem like using my persona in battle uses a lot of energy, and now that my adrenaline was wearing off I feel like I'm about to collapse.

My body felt like lead and it ached with a throbbing pain that felt like it would be difficult to ignore.

But I can't give up yet, I still have to look around for the others, I still have to keep going.

Biting back a wince I force myself up on shaky feet, repressing a groan as my body ached in protest.

Step by step I inched forward, using my shield as a crutch. I'll have to find the others soon, if I'm doing this badly who knows how they're doing right now.