What is a Dark Mind?

_____________________

After a satisfying meal of ramen, Takeshi and Geto made their way to the school's car, parked nearby. Takeshi had previously instructed Eliza not to pick him up after their mission, and the driver, loyal and diligent, followed his instructions.

First, the car dropped Geto off in front of his house, and the two friends bid each other farewell, ready to unwind after a successful mission. Geto thanked Takeshi for the ramen and wished him a peaceful night.

The journey continued, and the car soon arrived at Takeshi's residence. Takeshi stepped out and was greeted by his ever-efficient butler, Mr. Walton.

"Welcome back, Young Master Satoru," Mr. Walton said with a respectful bow.

Takeshi nodded and inquired, "Walton, have my parents returned to Japan?"

Mr. Walton responded, "Young Master Satoru, they are expected to return tomorrow evening."

Takeshi took in the information and nodded in acknowledgment. He then turned to Eliza, his personal maid, and Mr. Walton, who had followed him to his room.

"I'm feeling rather tired. Please ensure I'm not disturbed," Takeshi said, his voice conveying the need for a peaceful night. Both Eliza and Mr. Walton assured Takeshi that they would attend to his wishes. 

*****

Inside the sanctity of his room, Takeshi felt a sense of solitude that allowed him to focus on his personal growth. He knew that it was time to initiate the evolution of his Calm Mind skill, a pivotal step in enhancing his Jujutsu Sorcery.

With a deep breath and a sense of determination, Takeshi turned his attention inward. Alone in the quiet of his room, he murmured, "System, I'm ready to begin the evolution of my Calm Mind skill."

As if in response to his request, the enigmatic system that had guided him thus far began to hum with power.

{Ding!}

{The evolution of the active skill Calm Mind to a passive and more powerful will start..3..2..1.. }

{Ding!}{Notice!...}

{Host, your Calm Mind skill can evolve into one of two forms: Wisdom Mind or Dark Mind. Would you like to see their descriptions before making your choice?

/1. Wisdom Mind  2. Dark Mind/.....}

Takeshi's excitement grew as he contemplated the intriguing possibilities. "Yes," he replied with anticipation,

{(1)...The "Wisdom Mind Skill" is like having a personal AI for the host, ready to answer any queries and offer guidance with a warm and caring touch. It's not just an intelligent companion but also a guardian of compassion. This skill always has the best interests of humanity at heart and refuses to concoct any plans that might harm people. It embodies a hero's wisdom, dedicated to serving and uplifting its community, making it a ray of hope in the host's life and a beacon of goodwill in the world...}

{(2)...Introducing "Dark Mind," a chilling and enigmatic skill set. This sinister counterpart to the Wisdom Mind is shrouded in mystery, lurking in the shadows, and offering a completely different kind of guidance. Instead of nurturing and caring for humanity, Dark Mind thrives on malevolence. It's like a personal AI with a dark agenda, answering the host's queries with eerie insights and sinister intentions. Dark Mind revels in making plans that might cause harm to others, embodying a villain's cunning. It serves not the people but its own sinister purposes, always putting the Host's interests first, even if it leads to mass destruction. Dark Mind is no naive hero; it's a calculating mastermind, a harbinger of chaos, and a source of intrigue and trepidation in the world....}

{If the host doesn't have a problem in killing people to get his goal, then only the host should choose the 2nd option..}

"Well, It's not like I haven't killed someone in the past," Takeshi said in a cold tone as he remembered what he had done when he was 9.

Takeshi carefully considered the descriptions of Wisdom Mind and Dark Mind. As he pondered the options, a particular sentiment grew within him. He thought about the countless stories he had encountered on his journey, where heroes with the power to defeat their adversaries had chosen to spare them for the sake of people they barely knew. It was a mindset that had often left him questioning their choices.

With a determined resolve, Takeshi spoke to the system, "I'm not particularly fond of those hero mindsets where people could have easily defeated the villain but got defeated just to protect others they didn't even know."

He had made up his mind. The path he would choose was clear. "I choose Dark Mind."

Takeshi's decision to choose Dark Mind was accompanied by a sense of determination and a distinct fear. As he made his choice, he couldn't help but think about the alternative, Wisdom Mind. It was a path that often led protagonists to be sympathetic, sparing their adversaries for the sake of the greater good, a mindset that had left him questioning their choices in the past.

In his heart, Takeshi feared that if he had chosen Wisdom Mind, he might have become like those sympathetic protagonists he had observed. The thought of sparing adversaries unnecessarily and placing the lives of others above the mission was a prospect he wished to avoid.

Instead, he embraced the enigmatic allure of Dark Mind, a path that promised a different perspective on power and control, one that might lead him down a unique and potentially controversial journey. It was a choice that defied conventions and challenged the traditional notions of heroism, and Takeshi was prepared to face the consequences of his decision.

{Evolution Of Calm Mind to Dark Mind started....}

{It will take more than 4 hours..The host will feel some changes in his body...}

{System suggests host to remain alone till the process....}

'Hmm...Let's get some sleep then.' Takeshi thought as he leaned in his bed and closed his eyes.

****

The next day, Takeshi awoke from his slumber, feeling the essence of his newly evolved skill, Dark Mind, coursing through him. His azure eyes, upon closer inspection, held a subtle, devilish glint, a sign of the transformation he had undergone. However, to the casual observer, he appeared entirely normal, concealing the changes that had occurred within him.

As he sat up in bed, Takeshi's thoughts gravitated toward the newly acquired skill. With a sense of curiosity and anticipation, he thought  'Does the evolution of my skill take place without any disturbance?'

In response, a non-emotional, mechanical-type sound resonated in his mind, delivering the confirmation he sought, "Your Calm Mind skill has successfully evolved into Dark Mind, a passive skill."

With the excitement of his newly evolved skill, Dark Mind, Takeshi couldn't resist delving into the enigmatic depths of this newfound power. He initiated a mental conversation with Dark Mind, inquiring about its knowledge and limitations. 'Is this skill like the Great Sage skill Rimuru had in Tensura?' Takeshi said to himself.

"What do you know, Dark Mind?" Takeshi asked, his curiosity palpable. "And what is it that you don't know?"

Dark Mind responded in its emotionless, mechanical tone, "I possess knowledge of your innermost thoughts, your desires, and your hidden potential. I understand your drive for power and control. However, there are elements of the supernatural world that remain beyond my scope, as well as the unpredictable nature of human emotions."

Takeshi, his curiosity piqued, decided to probe further into the depths of his own existence. He questioned Dark Mind, "Do you have knowledge of my origin, my arrival from a different world, and my past life?"

Dark Mind, in its characteristic emotionless manner, responded, "I do not possess such information. My knowledge is derived from your thoughts and desires since your arrival in this world, as well as the hidden aspects of your subconscious. Your past life remains beyond my reach."

Takeshi understood the limitations of his newfound skill, and it became evident that the mysteries of his origin and the world from which he had come were not easily unlocked.

Just as he was lost in contemplation, a gentle knock at the door brought him back to the present. Eliza, his personal maid, had arrived to wake him and remind him of his daily obligations, which included attending Jujutsu High.

However, there was a subtle but significant change in Takeshi's demeanor. A newfound sense of devilish charm had taken hold of him, and he couldn't resist the opportunity to indulge in a bit of playful flirtation with Eliza.

With a mischievous glint in his eyes, he approached her, a sly smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Good morning, Eliza," he purred, his tone brimming with alluring confidence.

Then taking her under his embrace he gently gave her a kiss.

Eliza looked like an anime girl whose ears would start releasing smoke as her face became red like a tomato. 

"I said good morning, Eliza" Takeshi said softly. Bringing Eliza back to reality.

Still feeling embarrassed she mumbled, "G-Good morning, Young Master Satoru"

Takeshi leaned in closer, his words dripping with seductive charm. "You look stunning as always, Eliza."

A playful wink from Takeshi accompanied his words, and it was clear that a change had occurred within him. Eliza couldn't help but smile and play along, appreciating the devilish yet romantic aura that now surrounded Takeshi.

After their brief flirtatious exchange, Takeshi gracefully made his way toward the bathroom to freshen up, leaving Eliza with a heart that raced with excitement.