Summary:
“In the Grip of the Red Lotus,” picks up where the previous chapter left off, with Roy Mustang and his team battling the homunculus Envy. Mustang struggles to keep up with Enva’s regenerative powers and shapeshifting abilities, but manages to land a critical strike that reveals Enva’s true form.As Mustang and his team prepare to finish off Envy, they are interrupted by the arrival of Edward Elric and Scar, who were also looking for the homunculus. Envy uses this distraction to escape, but not before revealing a shocking truth to Mustang and his team: that the elusive leader of the homunculi is none other than King Bradley, Leader of Amestris.The chapter then shifts to Alphonse Elric, who is still trapped in the Gate of Truth. He is confronted by a being known as “God”, who offers him a deal: in exchange for his freedom, Alphonse must sacrifice something of equal value. Alphonse initially refuses, but when he realizes his brother is in danger, he agrees to the deal.Back in the real world, Edward and Scar team up with Mustang and his team to take on King Bradley. They engage in a fierce battle, but Bradley proves to be a formidable opponent, thanks in part to the Philosopher’s Stone embedded in his body. Despite their best efforts, the group is unable to defeat him.The chapter ends on a cliffhanger as Bradley reveals he has one final trick up his sleeve: his ultimate eye, which allows him to see all forms of deception and predict his opponents’ moves with uncanny accuracy. The battle seems far from over and the fate of Amestris hangs in the balance.