Matt is trying to feel sympathetic for his friend, but is interrupted when a fellow classmate shoves him. Wondering what the problem is, he turns to see Prof. Serpanz looking at him. She says, “Matthew Calamos, you’re next.” So he comes forward and views the possible foes before him.
Matt already knows he doesn’t want to fight Dante, and he feels he may not be as successful against the Golem guy. So he points to a blue-haired woman among the intermediates and says, “I choose you.”