The silence following Elaris's confession and Rai's justifications stretched uncomfortably, ten students processing moral complexity that refused to resolve into clean narratives. Anger, gratitude, betrayal, growth—all existing simultaneously, all demanding acknowledgment, all creating tension that needed release.
Riyan observed them with his characteristic analytical focus, his scarlet eyes tracking micro-expressions, body language shifts, suppressed emotional responses. After several moments of heavy silence, he spoke with the kind of casual directness that made people uncertain whether he was serious or testing them:
"If any of you are still feeling angry, you're welcome to fight me. Venting anger through controlled combat can provide psychological relief more effectively than prolonged emotional processing. The arena is available. I'm offering legitimate outlet for frustration you can't appropriately direct at Principal Rai or Dr. Vael."
