Ed and Al board a train, heading for State Alchemist Shou Tucker's home.

Alchemy is the science of transmuting things from one form to another. By the year 1910, the science had grown so popular, the state started to license alchemists to serve as members of the special forces. One such "State Alchemist" is Edward Elrich, who is accompanied by his younger brother Alphonse. When they were younger, they attempted to bring back their dead mother through the science of alchemy. Instead of bringing her back, Edward lost one of his arms and a legs. Alphonse suffered a much worse fate, his soul was transferred to a suit of armor.