The coronation was not meant to happen so soon.
Tradition demanded months of ritual.
Astrologers argued over stars.
Nobles whispered of omens.
Rudra ended the debate with a single sentence.
"Delay favors the guilty."
The system recorded the decision.
—
[Dharma–Karma Chronicle: Leadership Assertion Logged]
[Risk: High]
[Reward Projection: Significant]
—
The ceremony was set for the third dawn.
At sunrise, the capital gathered.
People filled the streets—not out of obligation, but curiosity and fear. They had heard the stories. Executions without trials. Nobles fleeing overnight. A prince who returned from the mountains changed.
At the heart of the palace, the ancient crown rested on a stone altar.
Forged generations ago.
Heavy with blood and oaths.
Rudra approached barefoot.
The head priest hesitated.
"The rites—"
"Proceed," Rudra said calmly.
As the crown was lifted, the system reacted.
—
[Artifact Detected: Crown of Aryavarta]
[Compatibility: Evaluating]
—
The moment the crown touched Rudra's head, the hall shook.
Not violently.
In recognition.
The crown heated briefly—then cooled.
—
[Artifact Acceptance: Confirmed]
[Authority Sync: Elevated]
—
King Rajendra stepped forward and knelt.
"So long as I breathe," the king said, "Aryavarta is yours."
One by one, ministers followed.
Some willingly.
Some trembling.
Rudra did not smile.
The first decree followed immediately.
"All noble landholdings shall be audited," Rudra announced. "Those found unjust will be reclaimed."
The system updated.
—
[Dharma Campaign Initiated]
[Scope: Internal Cleansing]
—
Resistance was swift.
That same night, riots erupted in three districts.
Bribes flowed.
Assassins moved.
Rudra responded once.
He rode alone.
No armor.
No banner.
Just a spear.
In the largest district, he stood atop a ruined well and spoke.
"You have been lied to," Rudra said. "And you believed because it was profitable."
A stone was thrown.
Rudra did not dodge.
It shattered midair.
The crowd froze.
"This is your warning," he continued. "Return to order."
Those who ran lived.
Those who attacked did not.
The system recorded the event without commentary.
—
[Judgment Enforced]
[Bloodshed: Minimal]
[Deterrence Effect: Maximum]
—
By morning, rebellion was dead.
Two days later, an envoy from a neighboring kingdom arrived with veiled threats.
Rudra listened.
Then dismissed him.
"Inform your king," Rudra said, "that Aryavarta does not negotiate under pressure."
That night, Rudra sat with Anaya, teaching her how to hold a wooden sword.
She swung wildly.
He laughed.
The system logged the moment.
—
[Stability Anchor: Reinforced]
—
Later, alone, Rudra finally allowed himself a breath.
The crown was heavy.
But it fit.
And beyond the borders of Aryavarta, the world had begun to notice.
The king had arrived.
And he did not intend to be patient.
-- chapter 11 ended --