When Ed and Al arrive at the Central Library they discover that it has been burnt to the ground and instead are taken to see Sheska, a former employee who may have the information they seek. Meanwhile, in East City an unexplained explosion causes Colonel Mustang to restart his search for Scar.

Ed and Al sneak inside the Fifth Laboratory to search for more answers about the origins of the Philosopher's Stone. However, it is not long before they are each attacked by former death row murderers who now guard the complex.

Ed is now in a hospital recovering from his wounds and Al is unable to let go of what Number 66 told him back at the Fifth Laboratory. Meanwhile, Winry agrees to make a trip to Central in order to repair Ed's automail... again!

When the conspiracy surrounding the Philosopher's Stone closes in on the highest ranks of the military, one of Mustang's most trusted and cherished allies is murdered.

Freed by an unlikely liberator, Ross's escape is interrupted by Mustang. Even those most loyal to the Flame Alchemist are shaken by the controversial action he takes against the accused killer of Maes Hughes.

Hoping to learn more about the Homunculi, Ed and Al devise a risky strategy to lure the creatures out of hiding. Step one of the brothers' plan: risk death at the hands of their most dangerous enemy - Scar.

With his father's help, Al takes incredible steps to contain the monstrous Pride. As the sun begins to rise on the Promised Day, the youngest Elric listens while the Homunculus ponders his very human mother.

Mustang leads a ragtag assault force of hardy northern troops - and welcome faces from the past - against Central's defenses. Victory seems certain until the military's most horrifying secret is revealed.

After a startling radio broadcast grants Mustang's forces the advantage over Central's troops, the Flame Alchemist unleashes the brutal power of burning hatred in the battle against the killer of Maes Hughes.

The light is gone. Shadows swallow everything. As the planet quakes and the heavens tremble, the souls of heroes and villains alike vanish into darkness. The circle is complete.