There's an issue with pausing in other similar games in that it just kind of invalidates most of the challenge or rush and there's no benefit to playing at real time, just hurting yourself for no reason by doing so
For that sake I'd just prefer slowing down if possible, 2/3 speed or even 1/2 - maybe even for a limited time so that it's not too strong in a balance sense
Also understand that yes death is a crippling factor in the game right now, but.. nobody forces you to take on those missions, they can be left for later, train up etc - that particular mission, fighting pit rats, I had about a 4% death chance, not 40%
All in all, just saying that not everything anyone requests is good or the best course of action