MAHABHARAT: Reborn as a younger brother of Krishna with a system

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Later that evening, the royal gardens were quiet.

Karna stood by a tree, arms folded, watching the peacocks move between shadows.

The sound of steps brought his head up.

Arjuna.

But this time—no tension.

Just curiosity.

"You fight like you were born to it," Arjuna said.

Karna nodded. "You fight like you were trained by gods."

Arjuna smiled faintly. "Close enough."

A pause.

"About earlier," Karna began, "you fought with everything you had."

"So did you," Arjuna said. "And you were better."

Karna looked away. "Not always."

"Maybe not," Arjuna agreed. "But I think we were never meant to hate each other."

Another silence.

But it wasn't heavy.

Karna extended his hand.

Arjuna took it.

They didn't need to say anything more.

---

Moments later, Duryodhana approached, arms open.

He wore a warm grin, but his eyes flickered between them with calculation.

"You both stunned the court," he said. "No doubt half the ministers are drawing banners in their heads."

"I didn't fight for banners," Karna said calmly.

"But they'll be raised anyway," Duryodhana replied. Then he turned to Agasthya, who had just entered the garden.

"You too. This city hasn't seen a shadow move like you since Bhishma's youth. If you ever wanted land, command, gold—say the word."

Agasthya looked at him, his voice soft but piercing.

"Don't mistake reverence for loyalty. And don't recruit men like they're game pieces."

Duryodhana's smile froze.

Karna hid his grin.

Agasthya stepped forward.

"Choose your cause," he said. "But let no one choose your enemy."

Duryodhana nodded slowly. "Noted."

But the thought didn't leave his eyes.

---

That night, Bhishma summoned Agasthya privately to the old temple behind the palace—lit only by brass lamps and echoes.

"I trained you in silence," Bhishma said. "Now I must speak before the storm breaks."

Agasthya waited.

Bhishma walked slowly. "The princes grow more distant. The council sees two suns rising, not one. Soon… their orbits will tear the sky."

"Do you ask me to pick one?" Agasthya asked.

Bhishma stopped.

"No. I ask if you will stop one."

Agasthya stepped into the lamplight. His voice was gentle—but final.

"If any of my family stands on the other side… I will not raise my hand."

"Even if the war is just?"

"There is no war that makes killing one's brother holy."

Bhishma looked at him long.

And said nothing.

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> [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION: MAJOR FATE DEVIATION DETECTED]

[REWARD GRANTED – KARMIC BREAK TIER REACHED]

[CLASS UNLOCKED: FATE MODIFIER]

> Passive: All actions now generate ripple-scenarios across divine channels.

Bonus: +Memory Restoration (Core)

[MEMORY SHARD UNSEALED: "THE FATHER BEYOND FLAME"]

[Vision Loading…]

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Agasthya stood at the edge of a mountain made of fire.

In the flames stood a figure—tall, ash-skinned, trident in hand, the crescent moon dripping light from his crown.

Eyes like galaxies unopened.

Shiva.

He spoke no words.

But Agasthya knew.

> You were not made to be loved. You were made to walk where love cannot reach.

Then the memory broke.

Agasthya staggered, breathing hard.

> [Memory Restored: 27%]

[Maternal Origin: Unknown — BLOCKED]

He stood alone in the temple, sweat on his brow, fire behind his eyes.

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