When Desmond designed the ability,
To deal with multiple targets, Desmond had no better skill; the only drawback was the insane consumption of mana. But, compared to the ease with which Desmond was dealing with five powerful underground beasts, the mana consumption was negligible.
Aside from maintaining the mana supply, all Desmond had to stay focused and command the eight snakes to tear apart the four-armed armadillos.