"As long as the soul still exists, there is hope, so long as she has not continued onward."
Amid the pattering rain outside the window, Shade felt greatly excited. That meant there was still a chance for them to meet:
"Can I turn that tree back to how it was? I mean, I do not want it to look like it does now. I want it to return to its original form. Is that possible?"
The old professor immediately shook his head:
"Turn a grown tree back? Young man, we are discussing folklore, not wild fantasies."
"But I have heard of a cutting technique that can turn a large tree back into a sapling."
Shade pointed this out unwillingly:
"Although the cost is enormous, and it currently can only be done within one year, can that not work either?"
"Certainly not."
Professor Wood said regretfully:
"Although I am glad that you have accepted the fact that the tree's growth can no longer be stopped, wanting to turn it back into a relatively healthy sapling is still far too fanciful.
"Young man, Creekwood Town has discussed and researched turning trees back into saplings since long ago, but people ultimately discovered that it was better not to defy the laws of nature. We live in this forest. Before a great fire turns this place into barren ground, it is best to honestly revere its rules."
"Can it only be done after it has been burned into barren ground?"
Shade continued to press the matter without giving up. This time, the old professor said nothing and merely sighed helplessly. Clearly, Shade had made him unwilling to answer any more questions:
"Why must you be so fixated on that tree? There are still so many trees in the forest. Its growth and mutation are