Only after he stepped into the sunlight did he clearly see the sphere in his hand.
The sphere was mostly milky white, mottled with pale yellow spots.
Liu Zheng leaned in and sniffed it, catching a faint exotic fragrance.
It was not as pungent as Sandworm blood, but its lingering notes lasted much longer.
"Colonel, I found it."
He raised the sphere as he spoke.
"Not bad. That size is already above average. You're not all that unlucky."
The driver said as he climbed out of the tank.
"Of course. My luck has been boosted many times, after all."
Liu Zheng said smugly.
"By the way, this smells pretty similar to Sandworm blood. Are they the same thing?"
he asked.
"Not exactly. This stone sphere is actually a Sandworm ganglion. The stuff inside is called 'Spice.' It is formed through reactions involving Sandworm blood, marrow, excrement, and all sorts of other messy things."
"Spice is far more effective than Sandworm blood, and far more addictive as well. Your subordinate took Sandworm blood, which is why I said it could still be saved. If it had taken Spice, I could only advise you to put it out of its misery."
the driver replied.
"If all the soldiers die, then what meaning is there in a commander's existence?"
Liu Zheng shook his head.
"I don't think there is anything special about it. Anyone else you know could replace it. Of course, you are the commander now. I'm merely an adviser providing suggestions."
The driver chose to reserve his opinion.
"Let's keep discussing this thing."
He carried the sphere back into the tank compartment.
"How should I handle it? Cut it open or draw the contents out with a syringe?"
Liu Zheng asked.
"Either works. But I suggest you don't open it yet.