Xzavier recognized this in Laddie and respected him for it.
So, he greeted the old mage calmly, like a friend.
"Senior mage Laddie, I greet you."
Laddie acted as polite as ever. There was a certain humility about the old man. He had never allowed himself to be exalted unnecessarily on the basis of his reputation. This case wasn't any different. He reciprocated Xzavier's courtesy warmly;
"Mister Xzavier, I greet you as well. That was some shot you took at me. Very impressive I must say."
"Thank you Laddie. I trust you understand that I wasn't really trying. It was just to test the waters."
"Oh don't be so modest. I would have been insulted if you had come at me with something weaker than that. I think it was cute."
"Cute? You flatter me old man!"
"Flattery has never been my strong suit. I speak the truth as it is. I am way too old to do anything but say it as it is."