Author commentary: One wonders how long it would've taken the kids to make progress through their session if the trolls weren't coaching/messing with them? How long would it have taken for John to find the gate to Rose's house like this? Days, weeks? The more you learn about the game, the more you start to infer that its natural cadence involves a lot of time going by. Months, maybe even years for some people. It really makes the characters work for certain things, and thus makes them appreciate finally getting to meet up with their long-distance friends when they get to the right gate. Assuming said friends aren't asleep when they get there.