{At higher train levels, Train Core is mandatory for upgrading the train. Moreover, it can also be used to reduce the materials needed for a module or train upgrade, even if it’s not a mandatory resource requirement for upgrades.}
{Upgrading to Train Level 21 and above requires Train Cores. Not only that, but Train Cores could also be used to create a subordinate train and grant someone Train Conductor Authority.}
{As long as they haven’t been branded as a cultist, even Wanderers who abandoned their Train Conductor Authority can regain it using a subordinate train created by a Train Conductor.}
{Furthermore, station world natives can also be granted a Train Conductor Authority and the right to become the Train Conductor of a subordinate train. However, a subordinate train, true to its name, is still subordinate to the Train Conductor who created it.}
{Train Conductors who created the subordinate trains have the authority to deprive the Train Conductor Authority and the subordinate train they bestowed. They have full control over the subordinate train and can even let it be destroyed and retrieve the train core.}
{In the end, the Train Conductor Authority bestowed by a Train Conductor to a subordinate Train Conductor is still a derivative of that Train Conductor’s authority. Because of this, it can be easily retrieved.}
{Subordinate Train Conductors also have the flaw of being unable to upgrade their trains to the same or higher level as their leading Train Conductor. Since the Train Conductor Authority is merely a derivative, it can never surpass or be at the same level as the original.}
{With this second Extreme Event, there are now more chances to gain Train Cores aside from meeting other Train Conductors at a multiplayer-type station. When encountering Train Conductors in the endless barren wasteland, the choice is up to you if you spare them or dismantle their train to gain their Train Core.}
{For those wanting to create an organization, you can even obtain Train Core without fighting, merely inviting a Train Conductor to become a subordinate Train Conductor, and the rest of the other Train Conductors as train crewmates of that subordinate Train Conductor.}
{The choice is yours!}
{The region merge will start in an hour from now. As for the Random Train Encounter Extreme Event, it has already started!}
[With the end of the world announcements and notification sounds, you and Jade headed to the Apartment Unit Carriage’s living room.]
[There, you saw Scarlet already sitting at one of the couches, also having listened to the world announcement.]
[With your gaze landing on Scarlet, you asked her, "What do you think about the World Announcement?"]
[In response to your question, Scarlet answered, "I suggest we let Jade try to use her Equivalent Exchange talent to determine if her innate talent can exchange for it. If not, then that will prove the rarity of the Train Core."]
["Needless to say, if the Train Cores are that rare, we might have to dismantle the train of every Train Conductor we meet, with no exception."]
["As for you and Jade having the authority to bestow subordinate Train Conductor Authority, I have no interest in becoming a Train Conductor. I’ve already talked with Old MacDonald, and he also has no interest in it."]
[Pausing for a while, Scarlet continued, "I have joined Zenith to follow you and Jade, to repay you for helping me when I needed it the most. Moreover, I know you aren’t interested in having a subordinate train and want to focus on an elite train crew development route."]
["As for Old MacDonald, he told me that he’s satisfied with what he has now. He has no interest in becoming a Train Conductor. In his words, he is already at the age where he wants to retire and settle down. If he were younger, he might have wanted to become a Train Conductor and explore a lot of station worlds."]
["Now, Old MacDonald just wanted to have a place in Zenith. His only request is for you and Jade to upgrade his Ranch Carriage when there’s enough carriage module upgrade materials for it."]
[Hearing Scarlet’s response, you nodded with a solemn expression on your face, "I understand, Scarlet. I’ll inform Old MacDonald later that we’ll pay attention to upgrading his Ranch Carriage."]
[You didn’t mind Old MacDonald’s request. Upgrading carriages now wasn’t really a huge need, especially when your development route didn’t require a lot of living space.]
[For example, upgrading the Blood Orchard Carriage wasn’t a need, as with its current state, it was more than enough to support the upgrade of the Blood Fruit Tree. From what you know, only when it needs to advance to Platinum-grade would it need a higher-level blood orchard carriage.]
[As for the Apartment Unit Carriage, you and Jade didn’t need that many rooms or living space. At most, it will improve the quality of life of the carriage. It won’t have any direct impact on Jade and your lives, so the two of you weren’t in a hurry to upgrade it.]
[Since Old MacDonald has a simple request of just wanting his Ranch Carriage to be upgraded, you and Jade didn’t mind. It will still benefit you both since a better carriage can display Old MacDonald’s skills better.]
[Moreover, the train’s ownership still belongs to you and Jade, so upgrading any carriages will benefit you both.]
[Informing Old MacDonald about your intention to upgrade his ranch carriage in the zenith chat group, you soon received his reply.]
{Old MacDonald: Thanks, lad! If you ever need these old bones for anything, I’ll gladly help! I’m already used to working hard anyway. Ranch and farm work is no joke.}
[After receiving Old MacDonald’s word, you shifted your attention back to the matter at hand and informed Jade, "The Train Core should now be included in the upgrade requirements of our Level 20 Train."]
["Since it has already become an upgrade requirement and its existence has already been proven well enough for you, you should now be able to try exchanging for it."]