Summary:
“In the Absence of God,” begins with a flashback to the Ishvalan War, where we see Mustang and his soldiers carrying out orders to exterminate the Ishvalans. Mustang is shown struggling with the orders he has been given and feeling guilt and despair over the atrocities he has committed.The story then returns to the present, where Ed and Al are in Central City trying to uncover the truth about the Homunculi and their plans. They meet Gracia, the wife of Mustang’s best friend Hughes, who tells them about Mustang’s mental state since Hughes’ death. She also reveals that Mustang investigated the Homunculi on his own and discovered some important information.Meanwhile, Mustang meets with Hawkeye and tells her of his plan to destroy the Homunculi, which involves using the research notes of Dr. Marcoh, a former state alchemist who was involved in the creation of the Homunculi. Mustang believes that by using these notes he can gain an advantage over the Homunculi and eventually defeat them.As the chapter progresses, we see various characters struggling with the absence of God in their lives and the role that faith plays in their decision-making. Ed and Al discuss their beliefs about God and the afterlife, while Mustang reflects on his own sense of morality and the guilt he feels for his actions in the Ishvalan War.The chapter ends with a confrontation between Mustang and Envy, one of the Homunculi, in which Mustang uses notes from Dr. Marcoh to gain the upper hand. As Envy begins to transform into his true form, Mustang declares that he will use all his power to defeat the Homunculi and bring them to justice.