My first few days of new life were fairly uneventful. Apples, who I've since learned is my mother cared for both my brother and me. Being a puppy did not lend itself to easy grooming. Or walking. Or… anything, really.

  Regardless, I persevered. This new existence was strange, and I found my former memories fading quickly. I could no longer remember my parents or the house I grew up in. Childhood friends gone without a thought. The only thing I could distinctly remember with clarity was my sister, Elena.

  Elena had been a light at the end of a dark tunnel for me. When everyone else abandoned me, she never gave up. She was always encouraging, cheering me on with enthusiasm. I missed her.

  Despite the tragedy of it all, I was quite apathetic to the rest. It must have been the new puppy chemicals, because instead of sadness and loss, all I felt was a growing anticipation. This new world was so exciting!

  There was so much to explore and learn, both with the System and the world in general. New senses bloomed in my awareness as I grew more steady on my feet. The world outside the barn was a vibrant mix of autumn leaves and rustic beauty.

  And the smells! I could smell colors! Every seemingly unimportant patch of ground was so interesting. For instance, just outside the barn was an old fence in need of repair. The second post to the left held an unknown scent, reminiscent of pizza mixed with tacos. It glowed a deep crimson to my newfound senses and gave off a sense of foreboding.

  Instinct told me that my natural enemy had claimed this post. The System, helpful as always, confirmed my suspicions.

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  While I didn’t know what a Dungeon Formation was, that a claim could lead to one was ominous. So, I did what any self-respecting good boy would do in that situation.

  I peed on the post.

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