He guesses everybody has to start somewhere. Still, maybe he's hoping to get taken under someone's wing? He's a bit surprised they let kids like him into a guild like this, but maybe it was out pity, or maybe they just figured he should make his own stupid mistakes.

"They wouldn't beat you up with the scholars!" Ali says incredulously. He pauses as he brings a hand to his chin thoughtfully, and then seems to come to a conclusion.

"Oh, I get it. You're trying to make good with the tough crowd, so they won't bully your sorry ass."

He still sounds pretty laid back about this, even friendly, so maybe he's trying to insinuate that he's not one of them. It might even be believable. Though he's a big guy, since he'd just been on an important mission, he doesn't look as rough as he might have with the facial hair he'd shed.

"Don't worry. Not everyone here is a brainless musclehead. I'm a military man myself."