You don't actually have to beat the countdown, per se. Some stuff is saved even after the countdown ends, namely your character's memory of picking up quests and the items in your inventory. It's the environment that resets.
In fact, spoiler alert, the environment resetting is necessary to finish the game!
I love the concept. I definitely had fun playing it, despite how bad I am at it. One thing I noticed, and maybe this is just me, but the controls felt a little too sensitive. Other than that, a great idea executed simply and well.
If you're talking about the flowers, the reward for bringing those back is part of the quest to get the jet boosters. If you haven't talked to Wryn'chh yet, Fal'Oraa won't officially give you the flower quest, she'll just mention that she's looking for them.
If I'm misinterpreting your issue, let me know, and I'll try to fix it!
