AI's version of scene 3 in my sequel to Wicker Man themed semi-autobiography

Phoenix, undeterred by the resistance from the locals, decided to take matters into his own hands. He knew that the police were unlikely to intervene, given their dismissive message. "I'll have to handle this myself," he muttered, steeling himself for the task ahead. He set out to find the boys, determined to rescue them from the twisted traditions of the island. As he ventured deeper into the heart of the community, he encountered more strange and disturbing practices, each justified by the insular logic of the yokels. "It's all for the 'community', they say," Phoenix thought, his disgust growing with each new revelation. But, as he soon discovered, the true power brokers of the island were not so easily swayed by the pleas of an outsider.

The local landowners, a formidable and influential lot, had their own reasons for maintaining the status quo. "A necessary evil," one of them confided in Phoenix over a cup of strong, bitter tea. "It brings in the tourists, and the tourists bring money. Can't have progress without a few... sacrifices." Phoenix, his face a mask of controlled fury, realized that he was up against a formidable adversary. But he was not about to back down, not when the lives of innocent children hung in the balance. "I'll expose you," he vowed, his voice steady despite the tremor in his heart. "The world will know what you're doing here." The landowner, unmoved, simply smiled and took another sip of his tea. "The world," he said, "has bigger problems than our little traditions. And who's to say we're not preserving something worth saving?"

second version

Phoenix, undeterred by the resistance from the locals, decided to take matters into his own hands. He knew that the police were unlikely to intervene, given their dismissive message. "I'll have to handle this myself," he muttered, steeling himself for the task ahead. He set out to find the boys, determined to rescue them from the twisted traditions of the island. As he ventured deeper into the heart of the community, he encountered more strange and disturbing practices, each justified by the insular logic of the yokels. "It's all for the 'community', they say," Phoenix thought bitterly. "But what kind of community sacrifices its children for entertainment?" 

As he closed in on the boys' location, he encountered a group of elders, their faces weathered by the sea-breeze and their eyes cold as the winter waves. "You again," one of them spat, recognizing Phoenix from his previous visit. "Meddling in things you don't understand. Leave now, before you cause any more trouble." Phoenix stood his ground, his determination unwavering. "I'm here to put an end to this madness," he declared. "The sacrifices stop today." The elders exchanged glances, their faces a mixture of contempt and amusement. "You're too late," one of them cackled. "The ritual is already underway." Phoenix's heart sank as he realized the urgency of his mission. With a surge of determination, he pushed past the elders and rushed towards the source of the boys' screams.