Chapter 4: The heroic Sacrifice

Amidst the cries of dissent and the palpable tension that hung heavy in the air, Jason took a deep breath, steeling himself for what he knew must be done. With a heavy heart, he addressed the gathered survivors once more.

"I understand your concerns, I truly do," Jason began, his voice firm yet laced with a hint of sorrow. "But we've reached a critical juncture. We've exhausted all other options. We cannot turn back now."

A wave of murmurs swept through the crowd, some voices pleading, others protesting vehemently. But Jason pressed on, his resolve unwavering.

"We must face the truth," he continued, his gaze sweeping over the faces of those gathered before him. "To survive, we must make sacrifices. It's a harsh reality, but it's one we cannot ignore."

As the protests grew louder, Jason raised his voice, cutting through the chaos with a steely determination.

"What needs to be done, has to be done," he declared, his words echoing through the cavernous space of the maze. "We cannot afford to hesitate any longer. The safety of our people depends on it."

Though the arguments persisted, Jason remained resolute, knowing that the burden of leadership required him to make the tough decisions, even if they were met with resistance. With a heavy heart, he prepared to lead his people forward, into the darkness, knowing that the path ahead would be fraught with danger and sacrifice.

As the chaos swirled around him, Liam felt a small hand clutch tightly onto his own. He looked down to see a frightened child staring up at him, eyes wide with fear.

"Help me, please help me, older brother," the child pleaded, their voice trembling.

Liam's heart twisted with guilt as he heard those words. He cursed himself internally, grappling with the weight of his own kindness in the face of such dire circumstances.

"Why... why am I so kind?" he thought to himself, frustration bubbling beneath the surface.

Unable to bear the thought of more innocent lives being sacrificed, Liam felt a surge of determination course through him. With a sudden burst of courage, he screamed at the top of his lungs, cutting through the tumultuous noise of the crowd.

"Stop!" he cried out, his voice echoing in the maze. "You said what needs to be done has to be done, right? Then let me make it simple."

All eyes turned to him, curiosity and apprehension etched on their faces. Liam took a deep breath, his gaze locking with Jason's.

"I will go into the labyrinth myself," he announced boldly, his voice ringing clear in the air. "I will find the exit. If I don't, feel free to take as many sacrifices as you want."

Jason's expression hardened, considering the challenge that had been issued. He hesitated for a moment, studying Liam intently.

"Son, you are still young," Jason cautioned, his tone filled with paternal concern. "Don't say things you can't do."

But Liam's eyes burned with resolve, his conviction unshakeable.

"I mean it," he declared, his voice steady. "Let me prove it to you."

After a moment of contemplation, Jason nodded, a sense of grim determination settling over him.

"Very well," he conceded. "If you're willing to take that risk, then so be it. But remember, the stakes are high."

With a heavy heart, Liam steeled himself for the daunting task ahead, knowing that the fate of his companions rested on his shoulders alone.

As Liam prepared to venture into the labyrinth alone, the survivors rallied around him, offering whatever support they could muster. A sense of solemn determination hung in the air as they outfitted him with the tools he would need for his journey.

One by one, they handed him walkie-talkies, ensuring he would be able to communicate with them from within the depths of the maze. They provided him with a brush and a supply of glowing green paint, to mark his path and guide him through the darkness. Other necessities were gathered – a flashlight, a canteen of water, a map of the maze hastily drawn on a scrap of paper.

"We're counting on you, Liam," Jason said, his voice grave as he handed over the walkie-talkie. "Be careful, and stay in contact. We'll be waiting for your signal."

Liam nodded, the weight of their expectations pressing down on him. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for the daunting task ahead.

"I won't let you down," he vowed, his voice filled with determination.

With one last glance at his companions, Liam stepped forward, disappearing into the darkness of the labyrinth. And as he ventured into the unknown, the survivors watched with bated breath, praying for his safe return.