At this point, more than half of all the Master bugs that had been present at the beginning of the battle had moved on to the afterlife. A thick trail of blood and flesh was crossing the battlefield to connect to Darius lance, ignoring the distance as well as interference from the battle.
Gunner had just piled up and blown up a huge chunk of Insects, and he had to cover his face as charred flesh and innards fell upon him. He took his time to analyze the battle and came to the conclusion that there were only dregs left.
As such, Gunner sprinted to Xela's side in less than a second and cleared the bugs that had been busy trying to penetrate her ward. As for the Elven Princess, she was having the easiest time in their group.