Chapter 24: Fullmetal Alchemist

Synopsis
Some days later, Lt. Colonel Roy Mustang and 2nd Lt. Riza Hawkeye had arrived in Resembool on a tip regarding two talented alchemists who could be recruited for the State Alchemist program. However, when they explained to their guide their purpose in the small town, they were informed that the Elric brothers they sought were only children despite their great skill with the craft. Skeptical, but hopeful, Mustang ventured into the Elric family home, but was mortified by what he had found inside - a huge, complex Transmutation Circle in a room stained with blood. Per the guide's advice, Mustang and Hawkeye next sought out the Elrics at the nearby home of the Rockbell family, forcing their way in and demanding that the boys show themselves. Looking around, Mustang found his quarry - a young boy missing his left leg and right arm, sitting dejectedly in a wheelchair in front of a suit of armor. Roy demanded angrily to know what the boy had done to create such a scene in his house, but to the Flame Alchemist's amazement, it was not the boy but the empty suit of armor which spoke, expressing remorse over their actions.

Roy then spent the day explaining how a child with Edward's talent would be a valuable asset to the State Alchemist program and that the perks associated with a government license could conceivably lead them to a way to restore their bodies to normal. Hearing this, Pinako explained that, after the boys had arrived, mutilated, on her doorstep, she had gone over to the Elric house and buried their inhuman creation in the backyard. She asked Mustang if he would really persuade them to continue practicing in the field that gave birth to that monster and maimed them almost beyond recognition. Out in the sitting room, Winry greeted Riza and asked the 2nd Lt. if she had ever shot anyone. When Haweye had responded in the affirmative, Winry explained that she disliked soldiers because they had taken her parents away to die on the battlefield and asked Riza not to take Ed and Al away to become soldiers. But as Riza explained to Winry and Roy to Pinako, a decision would not be forced on the boys, but that the opportunity to move forward is something that they would have to actively accept. Hawkee explained to Winry that her reason for remaining in the military was to protect a very important someone. Having finished his spiel, Roy left his contact information and departed with Hawkeye, who bade a friendly farewell to the young girl, but as they headed back out of town, Mustang rebuted Riza's assertion that Edward was beyond help by remarking that he had seen, behind the young boy's frailty, eyes that burned like fire.

Having been moved by the Lt. Colonel's words, Edward decided to have automail limbs installed and, while he was being prepped for surgery, asked Pinako how long until his recovery and rehabiliation period would be over. Despite her assertion that it would take three years, young Edward declared that he would complete it in one. Before going under the knife, he promised Alphonse that they would have their bodies back soon and begged his little brother to be patient.

One year later, Edward had completed his recovery and began sparring with Alphonse to make sure his new limbs worked properly. When adequately satisfied, he noted that, having refrained from using alchemy since the accident, he feared that his abilities may have diminished or disappeared, but clapping his hands together, transmuted the outer plating of the arm into a blade, much to Al's amazement and Winry's chagrin. Al asked Edward how he became capable of transmuting without a circle like their teacher, but Edward commented that, since Al had seen &quot;that thing&quot;, he should be able as well. However, Alphonse remared that he did not know of what "thing" his brother was speaking. Edward departed alone for East City to meet Roy Mustang - who had been promoted to Colonel in the past year - and they ventured to Central City to have Edward take the State Alchemy exam.

Ed travels to Central City to take the State Test. He transmutes a spear, and everyone notices he didn't use a circle. Ed then looked like he was about to attack King Bradley who was motionless, but stops suddenly with the spear at his neck. Ed tells Bradley that he is too defenseless and killers could do away with him easily. Bradley, casually responds to Ed's statement, saying that he'll give it some thought. An angry officer yells at Ed for his ridiculous act, and said that he had failed. The Fuher says that whether Ed passes or fails is his decision, and respects Ed for his "guts".

The scene shifts to Ed in Mustang's office. Ed receives his certificates and his pocket watch. Mustang then reads one of the papers, and looks surprised at Ed's new State Alchemist codename. Ed reads the paper, and is confused at the sentence when Bradley gives him the name, "Fullmetal". Mustang explains that Edward Elric will now be known as the "Fullmetal Alchemist", in which Ed finds "mouthful".

The scene once again skips ahead. Ed and Al are burning their home down. Ed says to Al, that there is no turning back. Ed notices that Winry is crying, and tries to calm her down.