READ FOR FREE ON ROYAL ROAD
https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/189088/soul-craft-the-hollows-trial
A Free LitRPG Adventure
THE HOLLOW’S TRIAL
He died in a world he never belonged to. Now he must survive a realm that wants to break him.
Ren was just another soul lost to the void—a young woman who died in a world she never quite fit into. But death wasn’t the end. It was the beginning of something far stranger.
She awakens in the Gray Suburbs, an endless neighborhood of identical houses and empty streets. The sky is the color of wet concrete. There is no sound, no wind, no life. And then a blue window appears before her eyes:
[SYSTEM INITIALIZED]
[WELCOME TO THE GAUNTLET]
[YOU HAVE BEEN SELECTED FOR TRIAL]
Her class: Tactician. Her allies: none. Her only guide: a flickering system interface that tells her the rules but not the cost.
To survive, Ren must face the Dullthings, the Desk Jockeys, and the Mirror Mall. She must learn to craft, to fight, and to think her way through the first three levels of the Gauntlet. She must face not only the monsters of this realm, but the monsters within herself.
This is her story. The story of the Hollow’s Trial.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is The Hollow’s Trial free?
Yes! The Hollow’s Trial is completely free to read on Royal Road. No subscription or payment required.
Do I need to read Book 1 first?
Not at all. The Hollow’s Trial is a standalone introduction to the Soul Craft universe. It’s designed for readers who are new to the series.
Is this a LitRPG?
Yes! The Hollow’s Trial features clear LitRPG elements—a system interface, class progression, crafting, titles, and skills. The system is soft and narrative-driven, focusing on character growth rather than numbers.
How long is the story?
~6,000 words across 4 chapters. It’s designed to be read in one sitting.
How does this connect to Book 1?
The Hollow’s Trial is set in the same universe as the Soul Craft series, featuring the same LitRPG system and exploring similar themes. It’s a perfect entry point for new readers.
