As it turned out, Orpheus was leaving itself wide open as it scanned around rather unsuccessfully for Nyx to show up.  Israfil was being very unobservant, and the difference between his and Blythe's combat skills were pretty glaring at this point.

[hr]
While Asteria's shot was not strong enough to destroy or punch through the mesa, it did induce Mayura to attempt to run to another mesa, blowing its cover.