The first arrow shot by Dante didn't release any shards. But his next volley of arrows not just shattered upon hitting walls and floor—the arrows exploded by themselves, sending their sharp shards flying all over the room.
In a closed space, there was no way to avoid them, even if Cael hastened himself again. And because he didn't expect this follow-up attack, he only had time to raise his hands and protect his face.
The shield that protected Cael's air bubble stopped the first couple of shards, but then run out of mana. The air bubble popped immediately after. Together with the gas-filled air, a myriad of other shards flew towards Cael.
The shards were fast, but because of their size, wounds left by them were just scratches that Cael bore with gritted teeth. But the gas!