Now Asvatthama was in his full fury. Very few warriors were able to withstand his assault. Bhima's son Ghatotkacha was one of them. Ashvattahma had killed most of the Panchala princes. Even Ghatotkacha was hurt at his hands and he had to be taken out of the field. In a duel Bhima Killed Bahalika, who was the father of Somadatta. Bahalika was the eldest among all the Kuru warriors who were taking part in the war. He was even elder to Bhishma. Bhima killed Dhritarastra sons again. Ten more of them died at the hands of Bhima. Drona once again came for Yudhisthira but now Yudhisthira has gained a lot of confidence and many astras of Drona like Varuna, Yama, Agni Twastar and Savita were countered successfully by Yudhisthira. Drona had to leave Yudhisthira to take care of the rest of the army.

Now Arjuna and Bhima were fighting with Drona. Duryodhana went to Karna and said, Your are now my only hope. Even,it seems old Acharya has lost his magic touch. He is quite ineffective. Karna said that he would fight as he had faught never before. Karna said that he would kill Arjuna first. Kripa who over heard him sneered, and said, we had been hearing your tall talk for long. Now please stop it. It is not very long since we saw you in action before Arjuna. And I saw Arjuna in Virata defeated you, and you had to run away. It is not for the brave to speak too much. Their action should speak louder than their words.

Karna said, I agree with your observation, that Arjuna is invincible and Yudhisthira is the embodiment of dharma itself. But I have a Shakti which is sure to kill Arjuna. Now, Please keep quiet. Victory and defeat are ordained by the fate. But I shall do my best for my king.

A heated argument ensued among Karna, Kripa and Ashvatthama, who was siding with Kripa. Duryodhana had to step in the stop that.

Karna advanced towards the army of the Pandavas. He looked intent to destroy their army. The army suffered terribly at his hands. Arjuna came to defend his army. Duryodhana rushed to join Karna, Kripa sent Ashvatthama to defend the king. Ashvatthama fought with much fury. Dhristadhyumna came to meet him. Ashvatthama thought that if he killed Dhristadhyumna the death of his father at his hands would averted. It was ordained that Dhristardhyumna would kill Drona. Ashvatthama destroyed the chariot of his opponent. He also cut his bow in two pieces. Somadatta faced Satyaki once again. But his luck had run out this time he was killed by Satyaki.

Now the fight used to continue even in the dark. The soldiers were cutting down even there own friends in confusion. Then it was decided that the soldiers should carry torches. Then the entire field was lit up by millions of torches. Ashvatthama again defeated Ghatotkacha, Bhima defeated Duryodhana. Karna met Sahdeva in a duel. He cut all his weapons. He destroyed his chariot and had him on his mercy. But Karna insulted Sahdeva and spared his life. Karna said that Sahdeva should fight with his equals only, not with his superiors. Virata was defeated by Salya, Arjuna defeated a king named Ala. Nakula triumphed over Shakuni while Shikandi could not face Kripa. Drona and Dhristadhyumna fought a very long and ardor battle. Karna could defeat Dhritadhymna. He fought a long battle with Satyaki. Karna looked invincible. Wherever he turned the Pandavas army shuddered with terror. Arjuna wanted to make an all out attack on Karna to put an end to his penance but Krishna aware of Karna Shakti said that Ghatotkacha was more suitable for this task in his opinion. Arjuna had to obey. Now Ghatotkacha was given the task of attacking the Kauravas army, Satyaki was to help him. He was very pleased at this task given to him by Arjuna and Krishna. He looked forward to it eagerly.