All mystery boxes?

Ming stared at the seven or eight earthworms emerging from the mud. He glanced at the hammer in his hand, then stepped forward to grab a worm, yanking it forcefully. After all, without a knife on him, he couldn't just smash them with his hammer. Hence, he resorted to using his hands.

Thankfully, it was David who depleted these earthworms' stockpile of foul muck, preventing them from spewing any at the moment. Otherwise, how could they allow themselves to be manipulated so arbitrarily? but, these creatures are incredibly resilient. No matter how much they're stretched, they just keep extending...

From the edge of the well, David tapped the rim with a knife. "Brother, I think a knife might serve you better."

"Why didn't you mention that earlier? Toss it down."

"You didn't ask," David smirked, throwing down the blade and resuming his lookout.