Agreeing to take the National Alchemy Test, Ed and Al are sent to live with the Sewing Life Alchemist, Shou Tucker, who is the foremost expert in bio-alchemy. Ed and Al learn that two years ago, Tucker succeeded in transmutating a chimera that was capable of speaking human words. Because of this incredible feat, he was awarded the title of State Alchemist.

Upon their arrival at the Tucker residence, Ed is greeted by Alexander, the family dog. In the house, Ed and Al are formally greeted by Tucker, and Tucker offers his assistance in anyway possible. Wanting to see the chimera that turned Tucker into a State Alchemist, Ed is surprised to find that it died shortly after being transmutated.

At the dinner table, Ed restates his intention of passing the exam this year. However, his converstation with Tucker is interrupted by Nina, his daughter. Astonished that Al has not eaten, she persuades him into eating, but it is clear that that the brothers are uncomfortable when it comes to Al's condition.

As time passes by, Ed and Al utilize Tucker's large library to gain knowledge regarding alchemy. Taking a break from their studies, the brothers spend time playing with Nina and Alexander. During their break, Hughes visits and congratulates Ed for its birthday. The party is interrupted when Glacier, Hughes's wife, goes into labor.

After the short respite, the brothers concentrated even harder on alchemy in order to prepare for the exam to obtain the power necessary to regain the bodies they were born with.

As the exam draws nearer, the brothers learn that it consists of a writing, an interview, and a practical skills portion. They also learn that every year, only one or two people pass. At the night's end, Ed is worried about the practical skills portion of the exam while Al is worried about whether or not they will ask him for a physical exam.

Finally, the day of the exam arrived. While both passed the first section, they were both worried about the parts yet to come. However, Mustang asks Al to withdraw from the exam which Al eventually consents to. Ed enters the next part of the exam and is asked to sit on a golden tripod. Proving that he is indeed an alchemist, Ed sits. When asked of his reason for taking the exam, he answers truthfully that he promised his only living family member that he would become a State Alchemist.

At last, the day of the practical skills exam has arrived. Given the materials to transmutate whatever they wish, Ed wonders what is necessary to pass the exam. The first candidate transmutates a spire but loses strength in the process. Using trees and water, the next candidate creates a hot air balloon. However, it pops and crashes into the spire. In order to save an imobile alchemist on the ground, Ed transmutates rose petals out of the earth, trees, and water of the previous two transmutations without a transmutation circle.

In the end, Ed passes the State Alchemist Qualification Exam and is able to continue to pursue his dream.