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Introduction: Mercenaries as Symbols of Modern Combat
Mercenaries have long occupied a unique space in both history and fiction—professional warriors hired not by allegiance but by skill, often operating in the gray space between loyalty and profit. From ancient Greek *xenoi* to contemporary private military contractors, mercenaries embody the transactional essence of modern warfare. In *Mortal Kombat’s* mercenary-led missions, this archetype is amplified through high-stakes combat, where every bullet fired and blade drawn reflects deeper themes of strategy, morality, and survival. These operatives are not just fighters—they are symbolic representations of a world where war is as much about value and reputation as it is about force.