When socketed into weapons, it could specifically enhance damage against undead creatures; when socketed into shields, it could strengthen the user resistance, granting a degree of immunity against elemental and poison damage.
Except for the accuracy bonus when socketed into armor and helmets, which wasn't very useful, the attribute enhancements provided by diamonds were quite valuable.
However, activating the magical effects of these gems wasn't an easy matter.
In simple terms, it required the socketing craft from "Diablo 2."
In the game, you only needed to hand equipment to Larzuk and click confirm to have him socket the equipment.
The operation was just a few mouse clicks, with no waiting time; the whole process seemed very straightforward.
But was it really that easy in reality? The answer was obviously negative.
It should be noted that from Act I to Act V, there were a total of five blacksmith NPCs in the game.
Aside from Larzuk, who lived in the Barbarian homeland, neither Charsi who had half-Barbarian blood, nor Fara who had served as a warrior in the Cathedral of Light for some time and mastered healing magic, nor Hratli who was both a mage and blacksmith skilled in crafting magical equipment, could achieve this.
Even Halbu, who had been stationed in the Pandemonium Fortress for years and often learned skills from angels, couldn't socket equipment.
It was evident that socketing equipment wasn't simply about making a hole in the gear.
Perhaps it involved carving techniques, or the skill of engraving magical formations—whatever it was, the process definitely required some secret methods passed down only among Barbarian tribes.
If even blacksmiths within the "Diablo 2" world couldn't learn the socketing technique, it was even less likely in the Marvel world.
Even if there was a small oversight that led to gems falling into the wrong hands, there was no need to worry about them being exploited by villains and used against him.
That's why Shi Xiaolei was so ready to bring them out to satisfy Stark curiosity.
"A gem that can effectively harm undead creatures?"
"Yes."
Nodding, Coulson seriously reported to the Director.
"In fact, besides the 'diamond' targeting undead creatures, according to intelligence provided by Agent 17, Rock also presented four other gems with different effects: yellow topaz that adds electric shock damage to equipment, red ruby for burning fire damage, blue sapphire for freezing damage, and green emerald that can poison targets."
Since Stark had become Iron Man, SHIELD level of attention on him had increased by several notches.
Every move was under SHIELD watchful eye.
How could SHIELD agents be absent from the celebration party held after perfecting the new energy technology?
The day after the party, a female agent who had disguised herself as a socialite and attended the party as the companion of a certain guest, compiled and reported the intelligence to her group leader, Coulson.
Actually, SHIELD had already guessed that Stark would publicly announce the news at the party, revealing the completion of the new energy technology to his "close" friends ahead of the official press conference.
After all, the emergence of new achievements meant a new blue ocean market.
The pie was too big; even with Stark Industries strength, it couldn't monopolize all the benefits.
Moreover, contacting institutions and companies that might form partnerships before publicly revealing new achievements was common in business dealings.
What really surprised Coulson was the unexpected development from Shi Xiaolei.
Specializing in 084s for many years, SHIELD always paid great attention to things that couldn't be explained by conventional logic.
So, even without clarifying the accuracy of this intelligence, let alone seeing the actual items and verifying their effects, Coulson didn't dare to be careless—from receiving the intelligence to meeting with Nick Fury, less than half an hour had passed.
"I understand. Raise Rock security clearance by one level."
Said Nick Fury, thinking while unconsciously tapping his fingers. After a moment, he issued an order.
"Find an opportunity to meet with him again and probe a little. If he doesn't mind, ask if he's willing to sell them."
"Understood."
Nodding as he accepted the mission, Coulson reminded.
"This mission might require a substantial budget."
"Ugh."
Hearing this, Nick Fury suddenly felt a headache.
"Give me a number first."
"At least 5 million per gem."
Coulson smiled helplessly.
"And that's not counting the premium for their special effects. You know, gems that size are never cheap on the market."
"How much did Stark pay? Was it also 5 million per gem?"
"Yes. According to Agent 17 report, Rock sold a total of ten gems to Stark, two each of red, yellow, blue, green, and white, for a total price of 50 million dollars."
At this point, Coulson couldn't help but smile bitterly again.
"And that was the friend price. If the trading partner were us, I feel the price might increase even further."
"...Damn rich people."
.....
Almost at the same time, Shi Xiaolei, who was in New York, said the exact same phrase.
However, there wasn't a trace of annoyance in Shi Xiaolei "damn rich people"; instead, it was filled with excitement and exhilaration.
"Buddy, you have to get used to it."
Wearing toad-style sunglasses, Stark patted Shi Xiaolei on the lower back.
"In fact, if it weren't for all those conditions you set, limiting my performance... you know what I mean."
"No, no, no, this is already enough. I mean, this is much better than I imagined."
Standing in a living room spacious enough for dancing, watching Kanna pulling 2B, running around the house and occasionally letting out surprised and joyful laughter, Shi Xiaolei face was full of excited and delighted smiles, a sense of fulfillment bordering on surreal happiness welling up in his heart.
After last night party, Stark planned to rest for a few days, to properly recuperate from the fatigue accumulated during his extended "seclusion."
Only after the patents were registered and Pepper team had negotiated the specific details with those seeking cooperation would it be time for Stark to appear again and take charge of work.
With nothing to do and not wanting to immediately seclude himself again to start researching those gems, Stark simply took on the task of "finding a house for Shi Xiaolei" personally.
Well, to say he did it himself would be an overstatement—it was more like he served as a guide for Shi Xiaolei.
Under Stark guidance, Shi Xiaolei went to the bank and, with the deposit of 50 million dollars he had earned from selling the gems, processed the paperwork to upgrade to a VIP client.
Then, also under Stark guidance, he made a request to the bank, asking them to help find a property that met his requirements.
It must be said that in the capital-dominated United States, the status of a VIP client was indeed powerful.
They went to the bank in the morning, and by the time they had just finished lunch, the bank had already provided feedback.
Half an hour later, Shi Xiaolei had already brought his two family members to the house selected by the bank, and they were now appreciating the property before them.
(T/N: Like the story fellow daoist?you can read 20 chapters ahead on my P@treon [[email protected]/DaoistRongyi] Thanks for your support! 😊)