Summary:
The chapter opens with Major Miles, Olivier Armstrong and her subordinates discussing the recent disappearance of the Elric brothers. They suspect that the Elrics may have gone north to research a mysterious substance known as the Philosopher’s Stone. Olivier orders his soldiers to keep an eye on the Elrics and prepare for a possible attack from Drachma, a neighboring country.Meanwhile, the Elric brothers, accompanied by Major Alex Louis Armstrong, arrive at Fort Briggs, a heavily fortified military base in the north. They are greeted by Major General Olivier Armstrong, who initially thinks they are spies and orders them imprisoned. However, after listening to their explanation and learning that they are on a mission to stop the homunculi, Olivier decides to join them.The chapter also introduces several new characters, including Captain Buccaneer, a muscular and tough-looking soldier who becomes Ed and Al’s guide in the North; and Falman, a former subordinate of Roy Mustang who was transferred to Briggs. Falman tells the Elrics about a secret project the military is working on in the North, which involves building a massive transmutation ring.As the chapter draws to a close, Olivier warns Ed and Al that they will have to be careful in the north, as the harsh weather and dangerous creatures that inhabit the area make survival difficult. She also reveals that she has a personal interest in fighting the homunculi because they killed her father years ago.