"Let's go through these one at a time."
< Subject will be able to manifest more complex changes to the Lucid Space, such as expanding size and generating more complex objects without expending mental energy.>>
Michael nodded.
"This one makes sense, I think. Like how right now my lucid space is just my room, I could expand it to the kitchen upstairs, or the garage?"
< Michael stuck his tongue out at that reply, before realizing that he was sticking his tongue out at a figment in his own eye. He took a sip of his coffee and responded.
"Well, then, give me a better example since my mind is so lacking."
< Michael frowned and started to ponder. After a few minutes, he tentatively asked another question.
"Could I use it to create a room that doesn't exist in the real world?"
< "Then, what about a room that does exist in my memory? Could I make a door that normally opens to one place open to another instead?"
< Pleased that his suspicions were correct, Michael decided to drill in on the other thing that had been bothering him.
"The end of the description said that this upgrade would allow me to do this 'without expending mental energy'. That means it's possible to do this without the module, right?"
< Michael was elated that he had started to figure out even more about the workings of the Lucid Space.
"So at the end of the day, it all comes back to Mental Energy."
< "... So, on to the next one."
< "So, my body will learn the things I do in the Lucid Space? How does that work?"
< "So... it's like a photocopy?"
< "So how much are we talking about?"
< "So if I were to practice for 2 hours, I would get an hour's worth of muscle memory?"
< Michael frowned at this. He was already dealing with a scenario where his body couldn't adapt to what his brain was trying to tell it to do. Still, as long as he kept it in mind, he might be okay.
"This option didn't say anything about mental energy. Does that mean this wouldn't be possible normally?"
< "Oh? Then how?"
< "Oh no..."
< Michael groaned audibly.
<< :-3 >>
"The more things change... alright, I think I understand. Next option, please."
< Michael brightened at this one. He was most intrigued in this option, since it would, if it worked the way he thought it did, give him even more time to study. With the Mathematics competition coming up, he wanted all of the study time he could get!
"So, if I understand this one, when I sleep for 6 hours and spend it all in Lucid Space, I would have 9 hours in the space?"
< Michael was tempted to ask what those scenarios would be, but he was pretty sure he knew what kind of response he would get.
"Let me guess, I haven't yet unlocked the associated information for those scenarios?"
< "Figures."
Michael contemplated immediately selecting that option, but then hesitated.
"What about mental energy? Is this something that can be done through mental energy?"
<<... Technically, yes, but it's quite challenging. Actually, taxing would be a more appropriate word. I can confidently tell you that right now you could definitely not turn 6 hours into 9. You might be able to turn one minute into two, but if you tried to do that for more than 10 minutes you might give yourself an aneurysm.>>
Michael blanched a bit at this and nodded.
"Still, it's possible... ok, last option, please."
<< Simulation Assistance. Official Description: System will assist Subject by simulating the real-world interactions associated with specified activities in order to allow subject to perform more complex actions without expending mental energy.>>
Michael rubbed his chin and asked a question that had been bothering him a bit.
"Why do these descriptions refer to the System in the third person? You haven't been doing that since the upgrade."
< "Fair enough - I didn't expect that. Now, what does this one actually mean? It's the most confusing, I find."
< For more complex scenarios, like your computer, for example, you'd need to understand a lot of additional interactions - including how all of the components of your computer interact, the principles behind the switches, your display, how your computer is powered... it is a very big list. Even just throwing an object becomes an exploration of a ton of different physical interactions.>>
Michael frowned. This was indeed quite tricky.
"And this module takes care of a lot of that?"
< "What do you mean?"
< Michael pondered that. It made sense - the Lucid Space was an extension of his own capabilities, memory, and understanding, after all. Still, these options were just 'helpers' - things he could do, or would be able to do eventually, given enough time and effort. Some of them were possible sooner than others.
He remained silent for a long while as he contemplated his options. Finally, he nodded.
< "I have. I choose Physical Synchronization."
< "Sounds good. Do I need to prepare anything, like that... supplement... from last night?"
< "Great," he sighed, relieved. He was not looking forward to trying to stomach that terrible soup again.
< He shook his head. His eyes shined with an eager glint as he responded.
"Not yet. Now, it's time to get to work."