Shedding.
That's how something as large as the serpent before them managed to escape Marion's strings just before Adrian could cocoon it.
The two hadn't sensed it because it had merged with the lava flowing within the chamber and only revealed itself when it was in their blind spots.
Adrian released the shadow cocoon, revealing the serpent's shed skin, looking completely identical to the beast,
The only difference being the fact that it was hollow, something that was only revealed by the holes left behind by the spikes.
"Your ability truly is a strange one," Marion suddenly spoke up again, turning towards him, "how can shadows become tangible enough to hurt someone?"
"How can you transfer your soul through strings?" Adrian responded without looking at him.
"Ah," Marion seemed to have realized, nodding his head, "mana is weird, I suppose."
"It is," Adrian agreed as he looked back towards the beast.
