Chapter 202

In this Almighty prologue interlude set seven thousand years ago, the Almighty reflects on his creation of Roshar alongside Kor and his decision to empower human Heralds to fight Odium despite warnings from his equal. He recounts his failed attempt to recruit other Shards for aid and his fateful choice to grant humanity the Surges through an agreement with Ishar and others.

The Almighty describes creating art with Kor, harmonizing their tones to shape stone and sound into beautiful structures. Rayse (Odium) begins moving to conquer and weaponize the spren and people of Roshar. The Almighty advocates for direct action against him, but Kor urges caution and "quiet steps." She warns that Rayse is more ruthless and deliberately goads the Almighty into escalating conflict, exploiting holes in their covenant—particularly that if either of them dies, followers could draw power without limits, and that the Almighty and Odium are not forbidden from clashing personally. The Almighty reaches out to other Shards for aid: Leras (Preservation), Ati (holding Ruin), Edgli (Endowment), Bavadin, Chan Ko Sar (Invention), and attempts to locate Valor (Medelantorius). All refuse, fearing Odium's escape and preferring to sacrifice Roshar rather than risk containment breach. Unable to find Valor and rejected by the others, the Almighty returns alone, breaking Kor's heart as he departs. He meets with humans including Ishar in a tent, where they propose using a distant world to collect souls as a pathway to binding a god and regaining their Surges. The Almighty agrees and grants them the largest portion of himself ever given, creating the Heralds.