January 1, 1990. (2 years before the 10th Mortal Kombat).
Brotherhood of Shadows Laboratory <
Thick darkness enveloped the Brotherhood of Shadows, where the only source of light was a blackish liquid in a giant test tube. The surrounding air vibrated with dark magic combined with high-tech mechanisms. Inside the test tube, a human figure slowly moved, hidden by swirling shadows, as if the very existence around it evaded stability.
One of the scientists, dressed in a black cloak with pentagrams, leaned over the control panel, on which mysterious symbols flashed. His voice trembled with excitement as he addressed his comrade:
— We have completed the process of merging Shinnok's blood. Twelve years of work... And this is the result. We have created a being that surpasses anything we could have imagined.
The third member of the team, a tall, thin man, nodded and pressed a few keys. The liquid began to flow out of the test tube, revealing the young man lying inside. His eyes were closed. Every vein on his body looked as if magic was flowing inside.
"It is time to show our creation to the master," the scientist said, looking at his colleague.
The laboratory door opened with a dull creak, and Quan Chi entered. His cold eyes scanned the room, and his thin lips curled into an anticipatory grin.
"What is it?" the mage's voice was like silk, but with a hint of menace.
One of the scientists bowed, pointing to the body.
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"My lord, your experiment is complete. This creature... it is much more powerful than we could have imagined. Its essence is destructive, and the magic inside it is incomparable even to yours.
Quan Chi came closer, examining his creation. The young creature's eyes suddenly opened, revealing a strange blood-red light that illuminated the entire room. The magic around him began to boil. Even Quan Chi felt a slight chill run down his spine.
"Well..." he said with a satisfied grin, "the work is done. However, remember that this creature belongs to me. This is no longer just an experiment. This is my tool. My greatest creation."
The young man slowly rose, looking at Quan Chi without emotion.
"Who am I?..." he said. His voice was quiet, but there was a power in it that made the walls of the laboratory tremble.
Quan Chi smirked and leaned a little closer.
"You are Valakas. My creation. Your destiny is to destroy and conquer. Now, rise. We have a long way to go.
The boy stood up, his gaze becoming more and more meaningful. He took the first step forward.
Who are you? — the boy asked
I am Quan Chi, a necromancer from the underworld. I am the one who created you.
Are you my father? — the boy asked, puzzled
Quan Chi:
—Not exactly, your father is currently absent, and during his absence, I will look after you... A long time ago, your father was betrayed by his brothers and sisters and imprisoned, but before his imprisonment, he ordered me to create for him someone who could free him... And now, after so many years, this day is finally coming.
This day — the boy asked, puzzled..
Yes, the day when you will free your father Shinnok! — Quan Chi said, his eyes burning with the desire to see his god. — But first, you must prove to me that you are ready for this mission.
Ready?... What are you doing? The boy asked the necromancer with fear, with whom he was going somewhere. Looking at Quan Chi, his heartbeat quickened from fear and anxiety. Although he saw his creator for the first time, only one thought flashed through his head, "He can't be trusted."
And why did you think I would do it? - asked the boy.
Quan Chi smiled and said, "Because you yourself will want it." There was confidence in his words, as if he knew everything in advance. "You can't escape fate, Valakas, this is destined for you... We have arrived.
Quan Chi and the boy stopped next to the portal that Quan Chi created. "It's time for us to go." His voice was cold and full of determination.
Where are we going? - asked the boy
Home, - answered Quan Chi, "To the Underworld."