Alex's mind was jolted as he absorbed the middle-aged man's question.
He couldn't fathom why the man would be inquiring about the dagger he held. It was a simple, unexceptional piece of weaponry, at least to his knowledge.
He allowed himself a moment of contemplation before he ventured to ask, "Do you recognize this dagger?" His voice was edged with curiosity, but also a faint hint of wariness.
The middle-aged man responded with a soft, mirthless chuckle. "Answering my question with another question, huh? I thought you'd be a little sharper than this," he retorted, his voice dripping with disdain.
Alex looked at the man, taking in the change in his demeanor. The frantic, bloodthirsty madness that had been there earlier, fueled by the death energy, had been replaced with a calm, composed visage.
However, Alex remained guarded, still clutching the dagger defensively.
