Chapter 3 - Vando

I squinted and squirmed as pure brightness filtered between my eyes. I was caught between shock, astonishment, and elation. I have vision! I can see! How did this happen? The longer I squinted, the more I could make out in my surroundings. The colors poured into my vision for the first time. Tears poured down my face.

"I don't know if this is a dream or a miracle but thank you!"

After a few minutes of acclimating to the brightness, I kept my eyes open as wide as I could. I did not want even to blink, for fear that the colors I experienced would disappear. Even the wooden ceiling was fascinating to me. The moment I looked around, I instantly confirmed that I was no longer in Grand Rapids. In fact, I wasn't sure if this was even in Michigan. The walls, floor, and ceiling were all made of solid wood. From the smell, I would assume it was some kind of cedar. The cot I was sleeping in was nothing but a basic wooden frame. There was a small dresser and a desk in the room. There was a single window and a closed door. I first stepped to the window, hoping that I would be able to get my bearings. No idea! There was a small clearing around the structure, but it was otherwise surrounded by a dense forest. Who brought me here?

I was about to step towards the room's wooden door when I stumbled. What? My legs felt different. Although I had never seen my body before, I could certainly tell that something had changed. Previously, I was told that I was a bit short. 5'8" (173 cm) when Val had kindly measured me a few years back. It seemed to be an average height for a man. Now, I felt much taller. I would guess that I was easily 6 feet (183 cm) tall! Everything had changed. My ability to see, my body, my environment, and did I mention my ability to see? I was bouncing from excitement. Even if this was a dream, I was going to make the most of it. There was no way I would forget this precious dream. Why was I being granted the gift of sight after decades without? I didn't want to assume too much. My mind was racing with all the audiobooks that I had listened to in the past. Books about a person being transported to another world with a new body. This couldn't be real, right? Right?

Suddenly, my next surprise of the morning struck me so hard I let out a giddy squeal. In front of my vision, I could see floating letters.

Welcome to the world of Vando!

This didn't make sense! I couldn't even read! However, when I looked at the words, I knew their exact meaning. I was truly in a new world!

I sat on the small wooden chair in front of the desk and stared at the words. When I blinked, it seemed to treat it like an acknowledgement that I had received its words. The text continued:

Traveler, you will be granted a single power that most would not have access to. This will make life in this new world easier. Here are your options:

Elements Master – Power over the elements of Water, Fire, Earth, and Wind

Shadow Master – Power over the shadows includes short range teleportation and shadow disguise

Farm Master – Power to grow any plants and cattle with several cheat skills

Duel Master – Power to overcome any opponent in direct combat

Mental Master – Power to manipulate the masses with vast mental power

Vision Master – Power related to use of eyesight

I read through the brief description of each of these powers. Apparently, any of these powers would give me a dramatic advantage in this world's society. I had to carefully consider each of these options. Which should I choose?