The crackle of the campfire was a comforting backdrop to our tired conversation. After a long day of fighting, the warmth of the fire was a welcome relief from the cold night air. The smell of pine and smoke filled the air, mingling with the distant sound of the forest settling down for the night.

I leaned back against a log, enjoying the feeling of relaxation that came with being away from the battlefield. My friends—Mark, Sarah, and a few others—were slumped around the fire, their exhaustion evident. I decided it was the perfect time to lighten the mood with a bit of humor.

“Hey, everyone,” I said, trying to sound enthusiastic, “I’ve got a joke for you. Why did the scarecrow become a successful general?”

Mark barely lifted his head, his eyes half-closed in tiredness. “Why?”

“Because he was outstanding in his field!” I finished with a flourish, grinning like a Cheshire cat.

The response was immediate: a chorus of groans. Sarah, who had been busy sorting through her gear, let out a tired sigh. “Not again, Kael.”

I pretended to be hurt. “Come on, it’s a classic! It’s gotta be funny.”

Mark rubbed his temples, clearly fed up. “Kael, we’re all exhausted. Can we just have a moment of peace?”

“Alright, alright,” I said with a dramatic sigh, “one more. Why did the enemy soldiers refuse to play cards with the general?”

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Sarah gave me a skeptical look. “Why?”

“Because he was always trying to deal them in!” I said, reveling in my own cleverness.

Another round of groans followed, mixed with a few reluctant chuckles. Mark, looking like he was at his breaking point, stood up with a scowl. “That’s it. I’m going to—”

Before he could make good on his threat, I saw the opportunity for a little fun. I snapped my fingers, and Mark’s movement froze mid-air, his fist hovering inches from my face. I leaned back, savoring the moment with a smirk.

“Whoa, whoa,” I said, my grin widening. “Let’s not get too worked up. It’s just a joke.”

The camp fell silent, the tension hanging in the air like a thick fog. My friends watched with a mix of amusement and disbelief, their eyes darting between me and the frozen Mark. Mark’s face was red with frustration as he struggled against my time manipulation.

I let time resume, and Mark’s fist gently tapped my shoulder instead of delivering a punch. The gesture was more of a resigned pat than a threat.

“Alright, alright,” I said, still grinning. “I’ll give it a rest. No more jokes for now.”

Mark let out a long sigh, shaking his head. “You’re impossible, Kael.”

Laughter broke out among the group, the shared amusement lightening the mood. Even Sarah couldn’t help but chuckle. “You really know how to push everyone’s buttons.”

I shrugged, my grin unwavering. “What can I say? It’s my special talent.”

As the laughter died down, I felt a rare sense of contentment. Despite the grim reality of our situation, moments like these—filled with laughter and camaraderie—were what kept us going.

Sarah smiled at me, shaking her head. “You’re lucky we all like you.”

I took a theatrical bow. “I’m honored. And hey, if you ever need a break from the grind, just look my way.”

The fire continued to crackle, its warmth a beacon in the dark. I watched my friends, feeling a sense of satisfaction. Between the dad jokes and the battles, the moments of levity and the burdens we faced, we were managing to find our way thro

ugh. For me, that made every joke worth telling.