Life Will Change Book 2

Chapter 20: Madicce's Lecture

Begin!

~Normal POV

8/7 - Monday

The lecture hall at the university was already packed when they arrived. But they managed to find a group of seats in the upper decks with a good view of the stage. This proved useful, as it ensured that Konoe wouldn't spot them. A group of teens wasn't likely to look suspicious if they came under the guise of checking out the school, but if Konoe was up to anything, then it was best to avoid drawing his attention at all costs.

After a while of waiting, Konoe stepped onto the stage to begin his speech. He was a young looking man, he couldn't possibly be older than 30, with a pretty muscular physique and a square jawline. He had ruffled dark brown hair, a moustache and a goatee. He was tall, and walked with an air of confidence. That said, for a CEO, he dressed very casually; only opting for a blue plaid suit jacket over a white shirt and matching blue pants. Akira's first impression of this man was that he didn't seem that bad. He didn't give off the kind of asshole-vibes that one would have gotten from a look at Masayoshi Shido, for example. But still, the man was a CEO. It was best not to make any true guesses at his nature without definite proof.

"As you all know," Konoe started, speaking in a clear, but friendly voice, "Life is just an ongoing series of daily decisions. What's for breakfast? What should I wear today? Every day begins with these insignificant little dilemmas. But then, there comes a time to decide your field of study, your place of employment, who you're going to marry. And it's these choices that matter. Yes, people are always looking for the best choice, or the correct answer. Madicce seeks to provide it, for everyone, through the power of A.I. EMMA is a state of the art A.I, designed to integrate herself into our everyday lives. By gathering and analyzing extraordinary amounts of data with perfect precision, EMMA can help everyone make the best choices."

"Capable CEO seems pretty spot on," Morgana said, quietly.

"He's so composed." Haru whispered. "He's practically overflowing with confidence. Look how clearly he states his company's outlook and principles. He's got everyone's attention."

"The evil people of the world are often the most confident ones you'll ever meet, Haru." Akira whispered back. "Charisma is a fantastic cover..."

"You're right." Makoto said, "And he's not saying anything suspicious..."

"Thanks to EMMA, Madicce's stocks have shot way up," Futaba said, "You can bet they're one of Japan's biggest enterprises right now. But I feel like a company with this much going for it wouldn't have much to gain from changing people's hearts..."

"Perhaps, but that doesn't change the fact that EMMA is still a key factor in the Jails," Yusuke said, softly. "It is through EMMA that people are allowed access."

"Right, Madicce is connected, even if it's indirectly," Makoto said.

"Hey, do you think there's a real culprit behind all of this?" Morgana asked. "Some kinda mastermind?"

"I kinda do..." Akira answered.

"Me too... there's something keeping the Jails here..." Morgana said.

"Well, as long as the Phantom Thieves of Hearts do what they do best, we'll set this shit straight," Ryuji said, quietly. "Regardless of who's behind it all."

~...

The lecture went on for a long time, but in the end, nothing Konoe said was useful or suspicious. They waited until everyone else had left the hall first once it was over.

"Well, that was a waste of time..." Akira muttered.

"It makes sense that he wouldn't trip up so easily," Makoto pointed out.