[ In the context of the conversation it's not a joke at all, but Hellboy allows himself the ghost of a smile anyway, if only because he likes to hear Jacob's confidence. He's pretty sure the young assassin could give whoever he wanted a run for their money, though he doesn't relish the thought of finding out.

He strokes his hand down Jacob's back, feeling that trembling tension in him, wondering what he can do to soothe it. ]

Hey, they'd have to fight me too. And I'm pretty sure I can make most of them regret trying. [ He makes a thoughtful noise, reaching up to brush his fingertips over the back of Jacob's head. ] You sure you don't want anything stronger than tea?