The courtyard was still buzzing from a previous victory when Shang Tsung's voice rang out again. "Next, a battle of speed and precision. Earthrealm's own… Art Lean!"
Art stepped forward, rolling his shoulders, eyes focused. He had fought on many stages, but this was different. There were no trophies, no roaring crowds of fans, only survival.
"And his opponent," Shang Tsung continued, a smirk forming, "hailing from the wastelands… the deadliest gunslinger in Outworld… Erron Black!"
Erron Black strolled into the courtyard, adjusting his hat, his spurs clicking with every step. He eyed Art up and down, then scoffed. "Huh. A regular ol' Earthrealm fighter? No weapons? No powers? No tricks?"
Art smirked. "Just skill."
Erron tipped his hat. "Ain't gonna be enough, partner."
Erron Black moved first, drawing his revolvers with lightning speed. Art was already in motion, weaving between the bullets with expert footwork. He closed the distance in a flash, launching a rapid combination of jab, cross, spinning kick. Erron barely evaded, stumbling back. "Fast, I'll give ya that," he muttered, flipping a pistol and unloading a sand bullet at Art's feet. The ground exploded, forcing Art off balance. Erron used the opening, swinging a boot into Art's ribs, sending him rolling across the stone floor. "Told ya," Erron taunted, flipping another bullet into his gun. "Skill ain't enough."
Art gritted his teeth, springing back to his feet. "We'll see."
Erron fired again, This time, Art was ready. He sidestepped the shot, closed in, and trapped Erron's gun hand with a swift wrist lock. Before the gunslinger could react, Art snapped a kick into his arm, disarming him. The revolver clattered to the ground. Erron growled and swung a punch, but Art ducked, countering with a brutal uppercut to the jaw. He followed up with a rapid series of strikes. punch, elbow, knee. Each blow landed clean.
Erron staggered, spitting blood. "Alright, alright…" He feigned defeat then suddenly reached for the hidden pistol at his belt. Again Art was faster. He twisted, grabbed Erron's wrist, and flipped the gunslinger onto his back with a perfect judo throw. Before Erron could react, Art spun and delivered a devastating axe kick to his chest, knocking the wind out of him.
Erron gasped, coughing. His fingers twitched toward his gun. Before he could Art stomped down on his wrist, pinning it.
Shang Tsung raised a hand. "The winner… Art Lean!" The crowd murmured in surprise. A mere martial artist had just bested one of Outworld's deadliest bounty hunters.
"Let's go, Art Lean!" Johnny Cage cheered, leading the Earthrealm warriors in welcoming Art back to the sidelines with slaps on the shoulder and high fives.
Art, still catching his breath, smirked. "Guess skill was enough after all."
Before the celebration could continue, Shang Tsung rose from his throne, his dark robes flowing as he surveyed the courtyard. Kitana and Mileena stood beside him, their expressions unreadable. He inhaled deeply before speaking, his voice carrying across the arena.
"You humans have impressed me thus far." His tone was smooth yet laced with something sinister. "Not since the Great Kung Lao have I seen Earthrealmers fight with such determination." A murmur rippled through the gathered warriors. The weight of his words wasn't lost on them.
Shang Tsung paused, letting the moment linger before continuing. "But we are entering the final stages of the tournament now. Only the deadliest warriors remain, including Goro." His lips curled into a smirk. "You've entertained me this far… do not disappoint me now." The warriors of Earthrealm exchanged glances, their resolve strengthening.
Liu Kang stood quietly, watching Shang Tsung. He knew his greatest battles were yet to come. The true tests of the tournament still lay ahead. Then, Shang Tsung's gaze settled on him. "Liu Kang." The courtyard grew silent. Shang Tsung stepped forward, clasping his hands behind his back. "We have seen the Great Kung Lao's descendant fight. A blind swordsman. An actor. The best of the Lin Kuei and Earthrealm's militaries. Yet many have not seen you truly tested." His smirk deepened. "That changes now. You will fight next."
Liu Kang exhaled, calm and steady. He turned to Raiden, who gave him a nod of approval. Beside him, Kung Lao grinned.
"Go show them what a true Shaolin can do," Kung Lao said. Liu Kang nodded, stepping forward without hesitation. The warriors of Earthrealm erupted in cheers and chants as he took his place in the arena.
From his throne, Shang Tsung raised a hand. "Your opponent… Reptile!" A sudden ripple in the air above the courtyard rooftop caught everyone's attention. A second later, the air distorted and then Reptile uncloaked, crouched like a predator ready to strike. With an inhuman hiss, the Saurian leaped from the rooftop, landing in a crouch before Liu Kang. His glowing yellow eyes locked onto his opponent, his forked tongue flickering. Liu Kang took his stance, unshaken. He knew this fight would push him to his limits. Shang Tsung's eyes gleamed with anticipation. "Fight!" The moment Shang Tsung's voice rang out, Reptile vanished.
Liu Kang's eyes narrowed. He knew better than to stand still. He shifted his stance, listening, feeling for movement. The faintest whisper of displaced air came from his right. Liu Kang pivoted just in time to block a brutal claw strike aimed at his ribs. Reptile shimmered back into visibility, hissing as he pressed the attack. His movements were wild yet calculated, his claws slashing in rapid, unpredictable arcs. Liu Kang dodged and countered with a high kick to the chest, but Reptile twisted midair, landing agilely on all fours. The Saurian lunged, attempting to latch onto Liu Kang with his sharp teeth. Liu Kang barely evaded, countering with a spinning back kick that sent Reptile skidding across the courtyard floor.
The gathered warriors watched with bated breath. "Come on, Liu!" Johnny Cage called out. "Make lizard boots outta him!"
Reptile snarled and spat a ball of acid directly at Liu Kang's face. Liu dodged just in time, the acid sizzling as it hit the stone behind him. But Reptile used the distraction to vanish again. Liu Kang closed his eyes for a split second. He breathed, sensing, waiting. Then he heard it. The rush of movement behind him. With perfect timing, Liu Kang spun and launched a blazing fireball at the incoming Reptile. The projectile slammed into him mid air, exploding on impact. Reptile let out a pained screech as he crashed to the ground, rolling to extinguish the flames. Liu Kang pressed the advantage. He rushed forward and delivered a flurry of Shaolin-style punches and kicks, each blow striking Reptile with bone cracking force. A final powerful knee strike sent Reptile stumbling back.
The Saurian champion wasn't finished. Reptile hissed and slammed his fists into the ground, creating a thick green fog that engulfed the battlefield. The mist burned Liu Kang's nostrils.
He coughed, stepping back. Reptile's laughter echoed in the haze. "You will suffocate, Earthrealmer!" Liu Kang forced himself to stay calm. He shut out the stinging in his lungs, focused on Reptile's voice, and then leaped into the air. Through the mist, Liu Kang suddenly came soaring down, legs extended, unleashing his signature Bicycle Kick.
His rapid-fire kicks slammed into Reptile's chest again and again, driving him out of the poisonous fog and back into clear air. The moment Liu Kang landed, he delivered a thunderous spin kick that sent Reptile crashing into a stone pillar. Reptile groaned, coughing up green blood as he tried to rise.
Liu Kang's fists ignited with flame. "You fought well, but this is over." With a final mighty Dragon Kick, Liu Kang launched forward like a flaming comet, striking Reptile square in the chest. The force sent the Saurian flying across the courtyard before slamming into the ground, unconscious. The gathered warriors erupted in cheers, especially the monks who found that fight particularly exciting.
Liu Kang exhaled, lowering his stance as the tension faded. His friends clapped and cheered, but he simply turned toward Raiden, who gave him a nod of approval. Liu Kang had won, but he knew this was only the beginning.
"How could Reptile be beaten so easily?" Mileena asked, a mix of disbelief and frustration in her voice as she watched Liu Kang stand victorious.
"Because Liu Kang has a great fire burning within him," Shang Tsung replied, his tone almost contemplative. "Raiden seems to believe he is the 'chosen one'."
"That prophecy is nonsense." Kitana's words were sharp, cutting through the air like a blade. "The Elder Gods have never interfered with the dealings of mortals before. Why would they choose to help Earthrealm now?"
Shang Tsung's lips curled into a thin smile, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Perhaps it's not about the Elder Gods themselves... but the balance of power." He tilted his head slightly, his gaze never leaving Kitana. "Outworlds victory could tip that balance, and the Elder Gods would be fools not to try to ensure Raidens chosen champions succeed and stop Shao Khan from gaining the power to challenge them."
Kitana narrowed her eyes, her jaw clenched. "I still don't believe it."
"You wouldn't, Kitana," Shang Tsung replied, voice dripping with mockery. "You are so quick to dismiss anything that you don't understand. You fail to adapt. That is why you will be beaten. mark my words, Liu Kang's power is undeniable, and soon it will be mine."
On the other side of the courtyard, Liu Kang's companions were already gathering around him. Johnny Cage slapped him on the back, laughing. "Nice work, Liu! That was a textbook finish. I thought the lizard might give you more trouble, but you made it look easy!"
Liu Kang smiled, his expression calm and focused. "It was a hard fight, but we still have much to do."
Raiden approached, his face solemn yet proud. "You did well, Liu Kang. But the tournament isn't over yet. The true test is yet to come."
Liu Kang nodded, understanding the weight of his next challenge. "I know. Goro is still out there. And he won't go down easily."
"None of us will." Kung Lao's voice was steady, his eyes sharp. "But we fight as one. That's our strength."