Occult: World of Yandere - Volume 1 Chapter 3 - The Old Highway

Neir stepped outside, the cool night air enveloping him like a familiar embrace. He glanced up at the starry night sky, and that’s when he saw it, a wide, gaping wound high in the planet’s stratosphere. 

The spatial fissure was so massive it was clearly visible from where Neir stood, its eerie presence looming ominously in the sky. A powerful and ominous storm swirled around the fissure, its aura radiating a light that flooded the world with Flux energy as if the energy was leaking from one dimension into another. 

This constant leak had saturated the planet, coating it entirely in this foreign, chaotic energy. The bright light surrounding the fissure had illuminated the sky continuously for nearly 10 years. On March 18th, it would mark 11 years since this phenomenon, known across the world as the Great Cleave manifested. 

Just looking at it Nier sighed, at the sight of it, as he said to himself.

“It’s been ten years since that thing appeared…

Nier muttered, his gaze lingering on the gaping fissure in the sky. A sigh escaped his lips as his thoughts wandered.

“Sometimes, I can’t help but wonder if my curse and that thing are somehow connected.”

He shook his head, dismissing the idea with a faint smirk.

“Oh well. Worst case scenario, I end up like my dad…

Nier said to himself jokingly, but his smirk soon faded as memories of his father resurfaced.

“Most of Dad’s life was spent being dragged around on a leash by Mom. The poor guy never had a moment of personal space.”

He mused, rubbing the back of his neck. 

“Sigh… I just can’t see myself getting tangled up in a situation like that. No fucking way.”

Nier muttered to himself, a mix of frustration and self-assurance in his voice. He chuckled darkly, shaking his head, while saying.

“Thankfully, having a yandere mother does come with perks, I must admit. These days, the curse terrifies me, but at the same time, if I like it or not, I am a by-product of it, I was made not of love, but well anyone who knows my situation would naturally have an immediate idea of how I was even conceived… consent be damned.”

He paused, a small, wry grin tugging at his lips.

“I don’t mean to brag, but I definitely inherited that woman’s talents and abilities. For a normal human, she was absolutely terrifying. I just call it the Yandere Trait… Oh well, it’s kept me alive this long, and unbound, too. I should be grateful for that, at the very least…. I can’t say the old man had lived a life worth living but I am not like him, I refuse to be some kind of pet.”

Nier firmly announced, his voice steady, as his attention shifted. He began walking toward his vehicle, his stride purposeful. The night air was cool, and after a brief walk, he arrived at his SUV. It was a sleek, red four-seater that gleamed faintly under the dim parking lot lights.

He then went inside the SUV; started it, and pulled out of the parking lot onto the main road. 

With the new highway still under construction, he had no choice but to take the old highway, which was the only route available to him at the moment. After all, he lived 12 miles away, making for a long ride. 

While the old highway was a bit shorter in distance, Neir didn’t particularly enjoy the drive. Still, it was the best option for now, and he settled in for the journey, mentally preparing himself for the familiar stretch of road ahead. Meanwhile, as he derived he turned his attention to the radio. The static crackled momentarily before fading into the sounds of various stations at each twist of the nob he did. 

“Let’s see if anything interesting is on.”

FM 88.7 – The Beats 

He twisted the dial, landing on an upbeat track. The DJ’s voice burst through the speakers, lively and energetic. 

“Welcome back, night owls! It’s Friday night, and we’ve got your favorite tracks coming your way! Don’t forget to call in and request your jam!”

A brief smile flickered across Nier’s face; music always had a way of lifting his spirits, even if only for a fleeting moment. However, he didn’t feel like listening to any music at the moment, so he began to change the radio stations, scrolling through the options until he finally landed on one he liked. 

AM 1010 – News at Night 

He shifted to a news station, the host’s tone serious. 

“In local news, tensions have been reported along the borders as several nations engage in discussions regarding trade tariffs. Remember, we are the only nation with peace treaties signed with five other countries, we are a beacon of neutrality in these turbulent times.”

Nier chuckled softly, recalling the government’s self-congratulatory rhetoric. 

“Sure, we’re a shining example of peace, right up until something goes wrong.”

He murmured to himself.

FM 95.4 – The Voice of Aeloria 

He tuned into a talk show, a woman’s voice echoing through the speakers. 

“… and remember, we have a local charity event this Saturday at City Hall! Let’s show our support for the less fortunate in our community… Especially the kids.”

“Tsk… fuck them, kids.” 

Nier said to himself changing the channel once more, however, the news he got from this last stationed actually shocked him.

AM 890 – Royal News Network 

He switched to another station, and a somber tone enveloped him.

“Breaking news from the royal palace: a tragic assassination attempt has claimed the lives of King Demiture XII and several members of the royal family of the house of Kazbetle. The crown princess is the sole survivor, while the queen remains in critical condition and currently comatose.” 

Nier’s heart sank at the weight of the news. 

“What the hell… someone actually manages to kill that freak of nature.”