For the next couple of hours I explored while the DLS scanned the surroundings for me. It helped me avoid stronger creatures, while I toasted a few of the weaker ones. Sometimes, a burnt lizard will taste like a gourmet meal.
I had just finished eating the last of my food, when I looked around me.
"Is that water? Sounds like a stream."
'There is a large body of water a few meters south of you. Appears to be a lake.'
"Sounds good. I can wash off the sweat. Although... I do need a new pair of clothes. Who is willing to follow a Dark Lord in a torn up sack?"
'I will see what I can do. Enjoy your... bath.'
I trekked off to the south, or at least where I heard the water come from. I don't have an internal compass like the system. I was quick on my feet as I saw the clearing up ahead, pushing the branches to the side, I fell.
"Shit..."
SPLASH
I swam back towards the surface, laughing inwardly at my carelessness.
'Are you alright, my lord? That was quite the fall.'
I swam to the shoreline on the opposite end of the lake I had just fell into.
"I'm fine. Just wasn't prepared to go for a dive. Not hurt or anything if you're worried."
'Of course not...'
I pulled off what was left of my tattered, soaked clothing. Looking down, I saw what was covering my body.
"You could fix me up quite a bit, but Xero's scars are another story, huh?"
'Yes. In a sense, more will fear a Dark Lord with a dark past. These injuries were healed into blemishes is all. They will not hinder your movement.'
"Thats fine. They don't hurt, and they aren't that bad to look at."
A great portion of my body had scars on it. They ranged from a centimeter knick, to the full length of my back. How did Xero survive for so long?
"So, DLS, any chance you know of this place? Like the forest itself, the kingdom, continent? I'm all at a loss. Xero never learned about this place."
'The Forest Governed by Shadows. It is in the Rasswell Kingdom, South of the kingdom itself. Connected to Autumn Village. The continents themselves aren't named.'
"...Country. I meant what country. My mind is still pretty fuzzy, and Xero wasn't exactly smart."
'This is the country of Sunder. Three kingdoms govern the lands, however I need to be closer to the other two kingdoms to scan them for your information about them. I can only reach Rasswell with my current reach. Apologies.'
"No worries. For now, please keep the area scanned while I wash up the rest of the way... is there anything important about this forest?"
I sank into the water, keeping my shoulders above it while the DLS continued to scan.
'No more information beyond its name, and it's special feature. Whoever is within this forest will take a small portion of dark magic damage every few minutes. Darkness Poison, I believe.'
"I haven't felt anything like that. Am I really poisoned?"
I looked over my body. Nothing seemed to hurt.
'Two things. You're immune to poison, as well as resilient to magic. Especially dark magic. I know you read the skill page. Have you already forgotten?'
"No, just was curious since it's an area effect. Not just some poison I accidentally ate."
'You're safe. I would have brought it up sooner had I been worried.'
"Worried? You have emotions?"
'Best saved for another day, my lord. We have company. It was under my radar, as it was asleep until moments ago.'
Off to my right, I heard a small bit of noise before a voice called out.
"Isss sssomeone there? Sshit. Damn lisssp. AHEM. Is someone there?"