Far outside the Elric brothers, the use of alchemy has been seen more for greed. This is when we meet Shou Tucker, the Sewing-Life Alchemist. Now it is hard to say if Shou is evil or if he just became desperate. Though he was so desperate to showcase his abilities as an alchemist, he essentially combined the souls of his daughter, Nina, and her dog, Alexander. It’s hard to say that seeing the Elric brothers made him think it is ok to attempt human transmutation again. Since he did it on his wife. Just again to show how dangerous alchemy is in the wrong hands.
The introduction of Scar is interesting because he kills Shou Tucker and the creation to give Nina and her dog peace through death. He mentions his goal to deal with alchemists who stray from the path God provided them. Of course, knowing what Ed did offers motivation to kill him. We learn that he is Ishbalan, and most of them were wiped out by alchemists that were provided to the military. Interestingly enough, he is also an alchemist. At this point, Scar is looking to be one of the more interesting characters. Though his ability to handle Ed easily makes him no joke.
As both Ed and Al are beat up, they need to get back to their master to get repairs on their parts provided by alchemy. Major Armstrong is the Strong-Arm Alchemist. Essentially he creates and destroys with his fist. Quite a simple approach. By chance they see and chase Dr. Maroch who is an alchemist who was doing research for it in terms of the medical department. It is clear that Scar isn’t the only one who was affected by the war. The casualties of the war are clearly awful with how Maroch is trying to hide. He is still trying to help those in need, so it is clear that alchemy is not an evil tool, and it is good Maroch realizes he can do good.
Though some of his research was on the Philosopher’s Stone, which is what Ed is after. As that is the source of equivalent exchange for alchemy. Just how dangerous is the true Philosopher’s Stone? At least he was able to give Ed a tip on where to go. Still concerning the group that mentioned that Ed is their human sacrifice, they mention they taught Maroch how to make the Philosopher’s Stone. At this point it is a race to the National Central Library. Still, the concerning thing for Ed’s side is that he doesn’t know it is a race.