In the midsummer of Stella Academy, a fleeting rumor about the "cicada ghost story" often makes the rounds.

It’s not a particularly unusual tale.

As soon as summer begins, the incessant chirping of cicadas fills the air, yet no one ever seems to spot a single cicada. That’s the basis of the story.

The truth is far more mundane. Stella Academy maintains a secluded area to keep cicadas isolated so they don’t disturb students studying in the gardens. However, since most students are unaware of this fact, they eagerly bring up the ghost story every summer.

"So hot..."

As the …