[ he's quiet for a moment, he's not someone that is really used to dealing with being looked at as strong. Not that his comrades think lowly of him but maybe it's just he's always comparing himself to impossible heights. ]

I think knowledge and strength on their own don't have very much meaning. Of course it is an accomplishment since even the talented must work in order to develop the ability. But even beyond that I think the most important thing is how someone uses their strength and their knowledge.

What I mean is, I wouldn't worry too much about comparing your own strengths to another's. If you set your heart to do something whatever else you might need for that task will be gained along the way. [ or maybe that's just wishful thinking. he's also probably only saying this because Hope is young, he has room to grow to begin with. ]