It was suggested at the end of the last volume, but it is declared that King Bradly is a homunculus. Though the curious part is that King Bradley does age, unlike the rest of them. Which is the point of why he is the youngest of them. His slaughter of Greed and the Chemira is a showcase of why he is known as Wrath. In fact, the connection between the group researching the Philosopher’s Stone & Bradley is the key.
The man known as Father created these homunculi. It appears that a part of his soul is added to that. Talk about freaky creating lifeforms from your own. In a way it is similar to creating life, but it is clear where the Elric brothers got it wrong. Bringing back their mom and creating a homunculus is not the same thing. Interestingly enough, the man known as Father has the names of the homunculi representing the deadly sins. So far there is
- Lust
- Gluttony
- Envy
- Greed
- Sloth
- Wrath
The only one missing is Pride. Still, it is clear that the sin is what created them. Interestingly, we see that Roy is picking up the pieces, and he is now learning what the Elric brothers learned about the Philosopher’s Stone and needing sacrifices as the ingredient.
With both the introduction of May Chang and Lin Yao we have two characters who come from Xing. Though interesting enough, it seems to be an application of medicine. The one difference in alchemy used by state alchemists is that at least May is seen using alchemy. Though Lin’s motivations might not be all that he is putting out, to add, he could have another reason for wanting the Philosopher’s Stone beyond immortality.
A good thing for Al is now he can use alchemy without a transmutation circle, meaning he will be much more resourceful in combat. Now we have Winry joining the Elric brothers as they head to Central, granted they don’t know of Hughes passing yet.