The positive degree is
armored
since the modifier only describes 'knights'
The comparative degree is
more quickly
since it compares the foot soldiers and the knights
The superlative degree is
weakest
since it expresses that the foot soldiers in the extreme of the weak
Swimming in the lake Im not 100% on that so maybe wait until someone answers sorry hope its right
Explanation:
Nick said it because of his previous experiences which were not so easy to handle and that have transformed his thoughts so much that he considered that his future would be same as his past. He even didnt remember his birthday, indicating that his mind is well occupied by the menacing experiences and thoughts. Since he has turned thirty so now people think its time to settle but for Nick its still a road of struggle ahead of him