Chapter 115

Odium reflects on his destruction of Kharbranth as proof of his conviction and turns his focus to breaking down Dalinar in the Spiritual Realm. Unable to foresee Dalinar's choices due to Cultivation's influence, Odium recognizes that he must either win the contest or convert Dalinar to his cause—with the latter being his true objective.

Odium turns his attention from Sja-anat's rats in the Spiritual Realm to Dalinar, who trembles isolated in that realm. Odium accepts the sorrow of destroying Kharbranth, viewing the city's destruction as necessary proof of his conviction and commitment to his plan for Roshar and the cosmere. He notes that Cultivation has ceased her attempts to persuade him, having failed in her opposition. Odium recognizes that Dalinar's future is clouded to him—he cannot foresee this man's choices as he normally would, because Dalinar is tainted by someone (Cultivation) who sees the future, which impedes short-term foresight. Odium conceptualizes his plans as a form of kindness that would allow Dalinar to achieve his potential. However, Odium's true objective is not merely to win the contest but to have Dalinar acknowledge that Odium's way was correct and join him willingly. Recognizing that either outcome of the contest serves him, Odium determines that his preferred end is Dalinar's conversion. To accomplish this, he resolves to break Dalinar down completely so he can be rebuilt according to Odium's vision. Odium reflects that he has experience both in hurting Dalinar and in bearing the subsequent pain of being forced to do so, and considers himself becoming expert at this process.