Summary:
Distraught, Edward and Alphonse learn that the Philosopher’s Stone is made from living humans—and worse, that it would take several human lives to make a single stone, they ask Sgt. Brosh and 2nd Lt. Ross to distance themselves from knowledge of their discovery.Meanwhile, in East City, after military police find Scar’s jacket near the ruins of the sewer tunnel where he met Gluttony, Colonel Mustang and his men are called to the scene to investigate. Although Lt. Hawkeye discovers that the bloodstains on his jacket indicate that the serial killer must have been badly wounded, Gluttony laments from nearby that his prey managed to escape. Lust comforts him as he plans to return to Central City and inform his father of this new development.Back in the capital, Ed and Al mope in their hotel room, cursing their luck and wondering if their original forms have been lost forever. Edward mentions to Alphonse that there’s something important he’s always wanted to talk to his little brother about, but was too afraid to bring up. However, Edward is interrupted when Major Armstrong bursts into the room, prompting Brosh and Ross to tell him why the boys were so sullen. As Armstrong weeps over the boys’ misfortune and laments how cruel the truth can be, Edward is suddenly reminded of Dr. Marcoh’s mysterious final message—that there is “truth” behind the truth. Edward takes this to mean there’s more to discover, so with the help of the others, he continues his investigation. Looking at a map of the city that marks all four alchemy labs currently operating in Central City, Edward notices the supposedly abandoned Fifth Lab within the city limits and suggests that this location is most likely the facility where the Philosopher’s Stones were made – cites its proximity to the Central Penitentiary as key, as inmates on death row could be used as necessary “living ingredients” of the Stone without attracting attention. Alphonse questions whether the lab’s alleged actions are related to the military or just an isolated incident, asking the Major who was in charge of Lab 5 before it was closed, and Armstrong informs them that the facility was previously under the jurisdiction of the State Alchemist and Brigadier General. General Basque Grand, but that Grand – along with several other alchemists who may have known the truth – was recently murdered by Scar. Major Armstrong mentions that the situation could become particularly complicated if a Brigadier General or someone of even higher rank was involved, and prepares to quietly investigate the matter on his own, advising Brosh and Ross to they haven’t spoken to anyone, and demands that the Elric brothers stay in their hotel and stay out of Lab 5 until further notice.However, under the cover of night, the boys sneak out to investigate the facility – curious to find that a soldier has been stationed outside as a guard, despite the building being said to be “abandoned”. Realizing that the only secret way into the lab was through a narrow ventilation system, Edward decided to head inside while Alphonse stayed outside. Deep in the alcoves of the empty lab, they sense an intruder and two dark, armored figures calling themselves 48 and 66 stir; 66 plans to go after Al while 48 prepares to take Edward on. Ed notices that the lighted corridors are still receiving electricity and confirms that the lab is still operational. Meanwhile, 66 lashes out at Alphonse – attacking him with a meat cleaver, noting that while 66 is his given code name, his true identity is a shocking secret.Edward reaches the large hall inside the lab and notices a huge, blood-stained five-point transmutation ring on the floor. He wonders aloud to himself if this is where the Philosopher’s Stone was created 48 affirmative answers emerging from the shadows to inform the intruders that his presence here cannot go unpunished, especially since he seems to know about the Philosopher’s Stone. Transforming the outer plating of his automail arm into a blade, Edward engages 48 in battle and discovers that the armored swordsman is actually empty armor just like Alphonse. 48 explains that he was a serial killer known as “Slicer” who was put on death row after his arrest and used as a test subject in soul binding experiments. He shows Edward that his own Blood Rune is hidden inside his helmet and informs the young Fullmetal that he must destroy the rune to win before preparing for a second attack.