Thoughts on the scenario after completing "Hammers of Fate".

Either Nicholas's soul wasn't ready for such corruption, or he was deliberately elevated in such a way that he wouldn't be too smart. Markel is a cunning bug; he made everything work for him.

Nicholas was needed as a commander, and in such a matter, being "slightly" unintelligent is not an option. Markel could completely control Nicholas's mind when necessary.

Added 4 minutes later
And it turns out that Nicholas is the one who kills everyone. Therefore, if Nicholas ever loses, no one will spare him. It's a double revenge: Markel used Nicholas as a commander and then didn't allow his soul to find peace. A cunning snake.

Added 2 minutes later
And by the way, after Faydaen killed Nicholas, did his soul remain in the world, or did it perish with his body?