Piar_shade

Ten years ago, Snow Cross was the industry's brightest star. A prodigy with a face so unforgettable and acting so monstrous that he outshone even the top A-listers. Directors fought over him, fans worshiped him, and the world believed he was destined for greatness.

Then, one night, his world shattered.

His family—the people he had neglected the most—were gone.

And just like that, he disappeared from the industry, vanishing without a trace.

Now, a decade later, the world has forgotten his name. The once-revered prodigy is nothing more than a ghost of the past. But when his grandmother—the only family he has left—falls ill, he is left with no choice but to return to the very stage he abandoned.

But the entertainment industry has changed. The faces are new, the competition is fiercer, and the audience no longer remembers him.

Can he reclaim his place at the top? Or will he be crushed under the weight of his past?

This is the story of a fallen star’s comeback, a monstrous talent reborn.

Monstrous Rookie: The Fallen Star’s Comeback

The tension in the audition room hadn't faded even after Snow Cross left. The door had barely closed behind him when the silence shattered.

"We can't make him the lead!" the producer slammed his hand on the table, breaking the trance everyone had been in. "His acting is still there, but look at him! He's not the Snow Cross we remember! His face is… rough. His aura is gone. Can we really sell him as the male lead?"

The casting director leaned back in his chair, deep in thought. "I have to admit… when I saw him walk in, I almost didn't recognize him. But the moment he started acting, I felt it. The raw intensity, the emotion—it was all still there. Maybe not as sharp as before, but it's there."

"Being able to act isn't enough," the producer scoffed. "People won't just watch for acting alone. The entertainment industry runs on image. His old fans won't recognize him, and new viewers won't care about some washed-up former child actor. If this was ten years ago, I wouldn't hesitate. But now? It's risky."

The room split into two sides—those who believed in Snow's talent and those who saw him as a gamble.

"Then let's compromise," the assistant director spoke up. "What if we don't give him the lead role? The second male lead has depth. He's the most complex character in the movie. If Snow plays him, it'll still be a big comeback, but without the pressure of carrying the whole film. If he fails, we can cut his screen time later."

The producer folded his arms, considering the idea. "That… might work. It's less risky, and if he somehow regains his old spark, we can push him more in marketing."

The director sighed, rubbing his temples. "I still think he has the potential to be the lead, but… I see your point. Fine. Offer him the second lead role. If he refuses, we move on."

Later that evening, Snow received a call. The director's voice was careful, as if choosing his words wisely. "Snow, we were impressed by your audition. But considering everything, we'd like to offer you the second lead role."

Snow's grip on the phone tightened. His jaw clenched. "Do you think I've fallen so low that I'd settle for a supporting role? Even if it's been ten years, what do you take me for?"

The silence on the other end stretched uncomfortably. Then, the director sighed. "I understand. Think about it. We'll wait for your answer."

Snow ended the call, his fingers trembling slightly. His pride screamed at him to reject it. He wasn't some backup actor—he was Snow Cross. But then he turned his head, his gaze landing on the frail figure resting in the hospital bed.

His grandmother's breathing was weak, her face pale. The beeping of the monitors was the only sound in the quiet room.

Snow swallowed hard. He had left the industry for his family.

Now, he had to return for his family.

He exhaled slowly, closing his eyes. "I'll take it."

And just like that, Snow Cross had taken his first step back into the world that had once belonged to him.

Chapter 3 – A Face Not Fit for the Lead