Ed and Al become interested in biological transmutation after witnessing a chimera in Lior, so Colonel Mustang introduces them to an expert in the field, Shou Tucker, the Life-binding Alchemist. Meanwhile, a serial killer whose targets are only State Alchemists is on the loose in Central.

Hohenheim's visit ends with a grave warning to Pinako, but Ed finds hope among the charred ruins of his childhood. Now more than ever, he has confidence that Al can be returned to his body.

Scar's mission to destroy those who slaughtered his people is fueled by justifiable rage. Upon learning the role Scar played in her parents' deaths, Winry claims those murderous feelings as her own.