Chapter 37: Self-inflicted Wounds  

Advanced magic isn't easy to learn.

Unlike elementary and intermediate magic, advanced magic requires not just chanting spells and fixed postures, but also the flow of magic power through special channels.

No wonder he hadn't performed magic at first.

But for Zunzun, none of that was a problem.

Thanks to [God's Body], he memorized the chanting and magic flow the same day, and aced the class test the next day, winning first place—and a bottle of skill point potion.

After hearing this, Megumin blamed her lack of pectoral muscles on poor magic flow.

And she wasn't wrong.

Most high-powered magicians in the Crimson Demon Clan have broad pectoral muscles—like Soketto and the trio.

But Aunt Yuiyui once said her family's slender build was hereditary, which might explain why Megumin was so petite.

From blaming poor diet to magic flow, if her chest didn't grow after fixing magic flow, Zunzun wondered what excuse she'd make next.

Snap—

The sound of hands slapping the table snapped Zunzun from his thoughts.

Yunyun was about to offer today's tribute to Megumin again—or rather, propose today's competition.

"Megumin! You know what I want, right?"

"Okay. By the way, what's for breakfast? I'm starving."

"Is that so? I carefully prepared today's side dishes... No! I mean, if I lose to you! Today I will win to show you!"

Though she always said that, she lost every time and happily handed over her lunch box.

Zunzun didn't need to guess who would win today.

Megumin put the skill point potion from the last top-three test on the table alongside Yunyun's lunch box.

"Since the stakes aren't equal, I'll choose the game this time, okay, noble daughter of the clan leader?"

"Don't call me that! Fine, I'll let Megumin decide the game this time!"

Good, I won!

Evil gleamed in Megumin's eyes.

"Let's compete in the next development test. Let's see who's more petite and more environmentally friendly..."

"Too treacherous! I can never win that competition!" Yunyun wailed.

Though sure to win, Megumin was furious, lightly hitting Yunyun until she screamed.

This is what asking for trouble means, Megumin.

The classmates headed to the health room.

Zunzun called out to the two still bickering to catch up.

Yunyun said, "If you're so confident, just compare and see who's bigger."

Megumin seemed not to hear and quickened her pace to escape.

Soon, the test began.

Arue started.

"Oh, Arue has grown again. She must be the biggest in the class now," the teacher praised.

Though Megumin hated to admit it, this girl truly deserved the title of fastest growing Crimson Demon. Whether in height or physical development, Megumin envied her.

When Arue came down, Megumin and Zunzun both surrounded her.

Megumin stared at Arue's chest: "From what I've seen, you should become a very powerful great magician in the future."

"In terms of growth speed, I, Zunzun, would call you number one in the Crimson Demon," Zunzun said, also envious.

He, too, wanted big muscles but remained slim despite training—sharing this suffering with Arue.

"I don't know what you're talking about, but I'll take it as a compliment," she said proudly, crossing her arms—making her impressive muscles even more prominent.

Megumin and Zunzun both drooled with envy.

"Next, Megumin."

The little girl stepped forward fearlessly.

"Megumin, the teacher has said many times that holding your chest high is meaningless. Growth is measured with magic. Holding your breath after a deep breath won't change the numbers," the teacher said, seeing through her resistance.

Her chest instantly deflated like a balloon.

In the end, Megumin grew just a little taller.

Seeing Megumin's lost look, Zunzun comforted her: "It's okay, Megumin. Forget what I said. Concentration is key. Don't be discouraged—you're already great!"

"...I remember you said the same thing when the potato harvest was small. Are you calling me a shriveled little potato? Damn you, watch out!" Megumin bit Zunzun's hand.

"I didn't say that! I was just comforting you! Ouch! Don't bite!"

Zunzun's hand throbbed.

It's really a dog biting the good man, not knowing kindness.

"Next, Yunyun."

"Hate it. I've grown bigger, so I'll lose again... Ah, as expected! I lost to Megumin again today..."

After her measurement came back bigger, Yunyun was disappointed.

Megumin smirked and gave Yunyun a pectoral muscle to rival Arue.

"Ah, it hurts!" Yunyun covered her chest and stepped back, looking aggrieved. "Why? I lost and my lunch box was taken, but why did Megumin beat me?"

"You should ask your hateful breasts!" Megumin grinned.

How stupid, Megumin. Doesn't she know hitting them only makes them swell more? The difference will only grow bigger.

After the girls finished measuring one by one, only Zunzun remained.

He tugged the corner of his mouth: "Teacher, I'm a boy. Shouldn't a male teacher measure me?"

"Ah, it's fine. I'll measure the boys too. After all, I'm the only health teacher here," she smiled.

He hadn't expected this pretty and friendly female teacher to be so knowledgeable.

"Come on, don't be nervous. It'll be over soon."

"Wait, wait... Teacher, didn't you say the test uses measurement magic? Why are you holding a small ruler? And I remember we don't need to measure that part, right? Teacher? Teacher!"

"Quick! Let me see!"

Her gentle smile never changed—but the dangerous red light flashing in her eyes made him shudder.

In the end—

After trying three rulers of different lengths, the longest 18 cm, the teacher let him go with a satisfied look.

-End Chapter-

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