A Temporal Problem

"How fast…?"

For the first time since the start of the conversation—no, since his arrival in the Fairy World—Ater began to show cracks in his calm facade.

Even if he tried to hide it, the worry displayed in his creased brows, narrowed eyes, and subtle frown were enough to give his unease away. All this time, he had suspected something of the sort being the case, but he never fully considered its severity due to the more pertinent things he had to consider.

But now… things were different.

He had managed to secure the Fairy King as an ally, which meant all the pieces were finally in his hands.

But, wouldn't all of that be in vain if he had run out of time?

"Hmm? I can't really give an accurate estimate, since it varies depending on season… but right now it should be…" The Fairy King rubbed his bald chin as he stared at Ater. "... a 1:5 ratio."

"One day equals five days in the outside world?"