Mahismati did not panic.
That alone unsettled the world.
When the first smoke columns rose on the eastern horizon, there were no bells of alarm ringing in chaos, no mobs screaming through the streets. Gates closed with discipline. Walls were manned with silence. Soldiers moved with the grim calm of those who knew exactly why they were about to die—and why they must not.
Arya rode into the city at dawn.
No cheers greeted him.
No prayers.
Only eyes.
Watching.
Waiting.
---
> [Siege State – Activated]
> City: Mahismati
> Enemy Forces: Kuru Coalition
> Estimated Strength: Overwhelming
> Advisory:
> Prolonged Defense Favored
Arya dismounted at the inner gate and looked up at the walls that had never fallen.
"Hold," he ordered simply.
The word spread like fire.
Mahismati would not strike first.
---
Karna stood beside him, gazing at the distant banners cresting the hills.
"So this is how they answer," Karna said quietly.
Arya nodded.
"They need to make an example."
"And they chose you."
Arya's lips curved faintly.
"I've always been efficient."
---
By noon, the plains before Mahismati were black with steel.
Banners snapped in the wind.
The Kuru standard stood tall—
And beside it—
Another banner.
White.
Ancient.
Untouched by dust.
---
Karna stiffened.
"No," he whispered.
Arya felt the shift instantly.
---
> [High-Tier Presence Detected]
> Identity: Bhishma
> Threat Level: Absolute (Non-Hostile)
The system's tone changed.
Lower.
Heavier.
Respectful.
---
The old warrior stood at the forefront, armor plain, bow unstrung, gaze steady.
Bhishma Pitamaha.
The Grandfather of Kurus.
The man who had seen generations rise and fall like waves.
---
"He should not be here," Karna said tightly.
"He will always be where war pretends to be duty," Arya replied.
---
A horn sounded.
Not an attack.
A summons.
Bhishma stepped forward alone.
No shield.
No escort.
---
"He wants parley," a general muttered.
Arya nodded.
"Open the gate."
Shock rippled.
"Prince—"
"I said open it."
---
The gates of Mahismati opened.
Slow.
Unafraid.
Bhishma walked in.
---
The air changed.
Even the system fell silent.
---
Bhishma looked at Arya for a long moment.
Then at Karna.
His eyes softened—just slightly.
"So," he said at last, "the age finally bares its teeth."
Arya inclined his head.
"Grandfather."
Bhishma's brow lifted.
"You acknowledge lineage you do not claim."
"I acknowledge truth," Arya replied. "Even when it stands against me."
---
Bhishma turned to Karna.
"You stand opposite your oath."
Karna did not flinch.
"I stand opposite injustice."
Bhishma sighed.
"That answer once cost your father his throne."
Karna's jaw tightened.
---
Bhishma faced Arya again.
"Withdraw," he said plainly.
The word carried weight heavier than threat.
Withdraw—and Mahismati would survive.
---
Arya met his gaze.
"No."
---
> [Narrative Resistance – Extreme]
> You have refused a Canon Authority
> Cost Pending
---
Bhishma studied him.
"Do you know what you invite?"
"Yes."
"And you still refuse."
"Yes."
---
Bhishma nodded slowly.
"Then the earth will remember your name."
He turned to leave.
At the gate, he paused.
"Protect the people," he said quietly. "If you fall, let it not be as a tyrant."
Arya bowed.
"Nor will I rise as one."
---
The gates closed.
War began.
---
The first assault was measured.
Testing.
Ladders.
Arrows.
Probes.
Mahismati held.
Not gloriously.
Efficiently.
---
Karna fought on the walls.
Every arrow he loosed burned with fury.
But his eyes kept drifting—
Toward Arya.
Toward the man standing unmoving at the center of the city.
---
> [Dominion Protocol – Fluctuating]
> Emotional Conflict Detected
> Stability Risk Increasing
Arya felt it.
The weight.
The pull.
Every death pressed against his suppressed empathy.
---
By nightfall, the plains were littered with bodies.
Kuru soldiers withdrew.
Not defeated.
Patient.
---
In the darkness, the system spoke.
---
> [Critical Choice Approaching]
> Option A:
> Full Dominion Release – Repel Siege
> Cost: Humanity Collapse
> Option B:
> Prolonged War – City Survival Uncertain
Arya closed his eyes.
"So that's the price."
---
He stood atop the wall.
The city slept behind him.
Children.
Families.
Lives.
---
Karna joined him silently.
"They won't stop," Karna said.
"I know."
"You have power," Karna continued. "I felt it."
Arya's voice was quiet.
"And you saw what it costs."
Karna nodded.
"Don't become what they claim you are."
Arya looked out at the enemy campfires.
"I'm running out of choices."
---
The earth trembled faintly.
As if remembering.
---
> [Mahabharata Core Event – Locked]
> Siege of Mahismati
> Outcome:
> Cannot End Without Blood
Arya inhaled slowly.
"If the earth demands blood," he whispered, "then I will decide whose."
---
Above them, the stars burned cold.
Bhishma stood in the enemy camp, eyes closed.
And destiny sharpened its blade.
---
End of Chapter 18