When the Glow Turned Toxic
For the first week, everything went exactly as Kael Ravencroft had dreamed.
EternaGlow Pokémon Skin Care Series sold out repeatedly.
Influencers praised it.
High-society ladies flaunted it at banquets.
Kael watched the numbers rise and felt invincible.
"This is success," he told Lunaria confidently.
"This is how legends are made."
Lunaria smiled—uneasy, but hopeful.
The First Crack
It started quietly.
A single woman was admitted to a private hospital late at night.
Severe skin rashes.
Red patches.
Burn-like lesions.
Doctors treated it as an allergy.
Then—
The next day, three more women arrived.
Then seven.
Then dozens.
Different ages.
Different backgrounds.
But all shared one thing.
The Common Factor
By the fourth day, hospitals across Aetherfall Kingdom were reporting the same issue.
Emergency meetings were called.
Dermatologists.
Pokémon healers.
Medical researchers.
Samples were tested.
Creams.
Serums.
Lotions.
Then the conclusion came in, cold and undeniable.
The Press Meet That Changed Everything
A senior medical specialist stood before the cameras.
"We have identified a strong correlation," he announced gravely.
"All patients suffering from these skin conditions have used the same product."
He held up a familiar bottle.
EternaGlow Pokémon Skin Care Series
The room exploded.
Reporters shouted.
Cameras flashed.
Social media ignited.
Public Backlash
Within hours—
Accusations flooded in
Victims spoke out
Class-action lawsuits were announced
"Skin burns after one week!"
"My face is ruined!"
"They sold poison!"
Hashtags trended worldwide.
#EternaBurn
#FakeGlow
#RavencroftScandal
Corporate Meltdown
Ravencroft Horizon Group stock plunged.
Valencrest Group stock free-fell.
Investors panicked.
Funds were pulled overnight.
Shareholders dumped stocks at any price.
The market smelled blood.
Kael Under Fire
Inside Ravencroft Horizon Group's headquarters—
Phones rang endlessly.
Lawyers shouted.
Executives argued.
PR teams collapsed.
Kael stared at the screen.
"Chairman Ravencroft!"
"Explain this!"
"Did you skip safety testing?"
"Was this recipe illegal?"
Accusations came from every direction.
For the first time—
Kael Ravencroft had no answer.
Valencrest Group Blacklisted
Government agencies stepped in.
Retail chains cut contracts.
Pokémon League health divisions issued warnings.
Valencrest Group received multiple blacklist notices.
Their reputation—already fragile—was shattered.
Lunaria locked herself in her room.
Hands shaking.
The internet had turned on her again.
Somewhere Else — Calm Amid Chaos
At Runcandel Manor—
Alex watched the breaking news silently.
No smile.
No gloating.
Just confirmation.
Kirlia tugged at his sleeve.
Alex patted her head gently.
"It's started," he said calmly.
He picked up his phone and sent one short message.
Alex:
Proceed to phase two.
A reply came instantly.
Red Queen:
Phase two confirmed.
A Falling Star
Kael Ravencroft stood alone in his office as the sun set.
Once—
He had been the rising tycoon.
The chosen protagonist.
The man who thought he could challenge gods.
Now—
The glow burned.
And it was only the beginning.