"So, wait… there's actually a giant labyrinth where Yankee Stadium should be in Cross-New York?" Hope asked.
"Indeed." CP answered. "It replaced the stadium when Cross-World was first formed. It was among the many things people panicked over during the first few months, but afterwards, the monster population moved into the dungeon and, from that day on, it was just another neighborhood in the city."
"Okay, but despite that I kinda find it pretty messed up, I mean the Yankee Stadium is home to one of the Major League Baseball Teams in New York." Kagura said.
"Eh, the Yankees were pretty bummed at first, but they got a new place to play later on, so they didn't mind when the monsters moved in." Scarlet said. "They even get invited to a celebration there once a year, so it's all good."
"Yeah...but the sudden appearance of a dungeon there is something to be alarmed of." Theo said. "Especially when you think back to all the ones we encountered up to now."
"That goes double when you realize that it's a full blown community." Mark said. "I hope nobody's gotten hurt by anything in there."
"Well...anyway, looks like we're here." Jet said as they landed in New York in Cross World. Upon disembarking, they noticed a number of banners and posters with pictures of some of the heroes on them.
"Huh...didn't realize we were such a big deal here." Jexi said.
"Jexi, with all the things the Hero Alliance has gone through, it makes sense you all have some fans." Ultra said.
"To be fair, some of us are kind of major celebrities now." Gallantmon said.
"And some of us do have a lot of notoriety in certain places." Hope said.
"Honestly this kinda feels a bit overboard." Zero sweatdropped.
"As long as we don't get stopped in the street by fans, we're good." Kaibara said.
"Right. Let's just head to the dungeon and scope it out." Hope said.
"There's the stadium over there." Double D said pointing to where Yankee Stadium once stood. In its place was a small little community.
"My, what a nice community." Reala said.
"But I don't think the reason they took over this place was to form their own baseball club." Nesma said.
"You're right. It's more than likely they just wanted to start their own community right here in the city. Be just like the rest of us." Hope said.
"That's actually not a bad theory." Kendo said.
"Hard to believe this is a dungeon." Theo said. "Almost looks like another town."
"It just goes to show you that when it really matters, any type of species can integrate into the world like this." Glimmer said.
"It is rather inspiring, isn't it?" Sir Saiyan said. "In any case, it would do good to speak to the inhabitants. Perhaps they can give us insight on what to expect in this dungeon."
The group walked into the community, observing the many different kinds of monsters coexisting until a drow approached them.
"Excuse me, but… you're the Hero Alliance, aren't you?" the drow asked. "I recognize you, from the news."
"Erm, yes. That's right." Alphamon said.
"I see." the drow said before standing up straight, presenting himself. "I'm Balok Hunzrin. I'm something of an official here in Monster Town. It's good to meet you. I bid you welcome to our little corner of the Multiverse."
"Gotta say, this is a pretty impressive community you've set up here." Hope said.
"Why thank you. It took some challenges, but we managed to survive and thrive here." Balok said. "If I may be so bold, what brings you to Monster Town today?"
"We heard a dungeon had formed here and came to clear it. But things here look rather peaceful." Theo said.
At this, the drow's face fell. "Ah… that. You must be here for the other side."
"Other side?" Steven asked.
"Regretfully, our town isn't all perfect. Holed up in the lower levels of the stadium, the original owner of this dungeon still resides: they call him Warmonger." Balock said. "When the dungeon first appeared, it was under the control of a dark mage who declared himself to be Warmonger, a self-proclaimed Demon of War. He had control of many monsters, and planned to take control of this new world. However, the defenders of this world stood against him. For a week, a force of humans, monsters, machines, and the other residents of this new world lay siege to the dungeon, until the Warmonger was forced to retreat into the lower levels, sealing them shut. He swore that someday, he would rebuild his army and return to claim what was his: Cross-World, in its entirety."
"Another one of those guys, huh?" David asked. "We've been dealing with those a lot lately, I just realized."
"It's starting to become second nature." Simon added.
"You've got nothing to worry about now, Balok." Ethox said. "We're gonna deal with this Warmonger before he ever has a chance to rise up and attack your town."
"Yes...you can count on us. We'll see to it this guy goes down hard." Oshawott said. "That's what the Hero Alliance is for."
"We thank you all." Balok said.
"So, how will we know the monsters we run into are under his control?" Rosalie asked.
"Well, the monsters here are peaceful, so if we run into monsters that attack us down there, it's a safe bet that they're under Warmonger's control." ZS said.
"It's not usually that simple. Believe me. Usually, there's a telltale sign. A peculiar marking or something that makes them different from normal." Cheetah said.
"Black eyes with piercing blue pupils." Balok said. "That is your telltale sign."
"Those shouldn't be too hard to spot." David said.
"We've got experience on mind control from dealing with Grodd." Captain Cold said.
"Still hard to get out of our heads, even after his death." Vera said.
"Well maybe if we defeat this warmonger guy, they'll be free from his control." Totodile said.
"That's usually how it works." Alphamon said.
"As self-proclaimed experts of getting mind controlled, we Royal Knights would know that a good smack also does the trick in snapping them out." Crusadermon said.
"We tried that too. It doesn't seem to snap them out of it." Balok said.
"Probably depends on how hard you smack them." David said. "From what sources I read, deeper mind control usually requires more force being used."
"...We'll keep that idea on the backburner." Moltar said. "We're dealing with Warmonger either way."
"Now then...perhaps you can escort us to where this...Warmonger...is holed up." Ainz said.
"Like I said, he sealed himself in the lower levels." Balok said. "The entrance is at the back of the village, although it was done earlier last month. Here, I'll show you."
Balok led the group through the village until they reached a steel shutter at the end of the village.
"I don't think I need to worry about you all, considering your reputation." Balok said. "That being said… if there's any way to save the monsters under Warmonger's control… well, you know."
The official pressed a red button next to the shutter, allowing it to be raised up, opening up an area in shadows to the group.
"I'll have to close the shutter behind you, of course." Balok said. "Once you're done, come back to this shutter and knock...hmm…nine times. I'd like to make sure it's you."
"A bit much, but we'll remember that." Connie said.
The group ventured into the darkness, Balok closing the shutter behind them.
"Good luck down there." Balok said, knowing the group probably wouldn't hear him.