Rush Valley & Dublith Arc
Introduction
The Rush Valley & Dublith Arc is the third major story arc of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. After uncovering the horrifying truth about the Philosopher’s Stone, Edward Elric and Alphonse Elric continue their journey across Amestris. Their travels take them first to Rush Valley, the nation’s center for automail engineering, and later to Dublith, where they reunite with their martial arts teacher, Izumi Curtis. This arc expands the world of the series, introduces important allies and enemies, and deepens the Elric brothers’ understanding of alchemy and sacrifice.
Story Summary
Following their investigation into Laboratory 5, Edward Elric and Alphonse Elric continue searching for answers about the Philosopher’s Stone. Their first stop is Rush Valley, the famous automail capital of Amestris, where Winry Rockbell eagerly explores the latest mechanical technology.
While in Rush Valley, the brothers encounter Paninya, a talented young thief who uses advanced automail limbs to steal valuables. Although she initially causes trouble, Edward recognizes her potential and encourages her to use her abilities for a better purpose. During their stay, Winry also assists a woman during childbirth, gaining valuable practical experience as an automail mechanic.
After leaving Rush Valley, the Elric brothers travel to Dublith to visit their respected teacher, Izumi Curtis, and her husband Sig Curtis. Izumi immediately notices how much her students have matured but also senses the emotional burdens they continue to carry.
During their training, Edward and Alphonse are forced to reflect on the consequences of their failed human transmutation. Izumi reveals that she too attempted human transmutation years earlier in an effort to revive her deceased child. Like the brothers, she paid a terrible price by losing several of her internal organs after passing through the Gate of Truth.
Their reunion is interrupted by the arrival of Ling Yao, the twelfth prince of Xing. Accompanied by his bodyguards, Lan Fan and Fu, Ling is searching for the secret of immortality to strengthen his claim to the imperial throne. His arrival introduces the nation of Xing and expands the political scope of the story.
Soon afterward, the brothers investigate Devil’s Nest, a hidden bar that serves as the headquarters of Greed, one of the Homunculi. Greed commands a group of chimera followers who possess unique abilities gained through alchemical experimentation.
Edward and Alphonse confront Greed after learning that he is interested in Alphonse’s soul-bound armor body. Greed’s Ultimate Shield, which hardens his skin into an almost indestructible defense, proves difficult to overcome. Before the conflict can reach its conclusion, however, the military launches an assault on Devil’s Nest under the command of King Bradley.
Bradley effortlessly defeats Greed’s chimera allies before revealing his extraordinary combat abilities. He captures Greed and returns him to Father, where the rebellious Homunculus is absorbed and destroyed. The shocking event demonstrates the true hierarchy among the Homunculi and hints at the existence of an even greater mastermind.
Major Events
Arrival in Rush Valley
Edward, Alphonse, and Winry visit the automail capital, where Winry expands her skills and Paninya begins changing her life.
Reunion with Izumi Curtis
The brothers reunite with their teacher and learn more about the consequences of human transmutation.
Ling Yao Arrives
The prince of Xing enters the story in search of immortality and the Philosopher’s Stone.
Investigation of Devil’s Nest
Edward and Alphonse confront Greed and his chimera followers.
King Bradley Defeats Greed
Bradley attacks Devil’s Nest, defeats Greed’s allies, and returns Greed to Father for punishment.
Character Development
The Rush Valley & Dublith Arc further develops Edward Elric and Alphonse Elric as they begin accepting the emotional consequences of their past mistakes instead of searching only for quick solutions.
Winry Rockbell grows professionally after assisting with childbirth in Rush Valley, strengthening her confidence as an automail engineer.
Izumi Curtis emerges as one of the series’ most influential mentors. Her tragic past mirrors the Elric brothers’ own experiences, reinforcing the dangers of attempting to defy the natural laws of life and death.
The introduction of Ling Yao adds an ambitious and charismatic ally whose goals will become increasingly important later in the story.
Important Battles
Edward Elric vs. Greed
Edward battles Greed and witnesses the incredible defensive power of the Ultimate Shield, making Greed one of the strongest opponents encountered so far.
King Bradley vs. Greed’s Forces
King Bradley effortlessly defeats Greed’s chimera followers before capturing Greed himself, revealing his frightening strength and swordsmanship.
Ending of the Arc
The Rush Valley & Dublith Arc concludes with Greed being absorbed by Father after his failed rebellion. Edward and Alphonse leave Dublith with new allies, greater knowledge of the Homunculi, and a deeper understanding of the sacrifices connected to human transmutation.
Their investigation continues as political tensions within Amestris begin to rise, leading directly into the Ishval Civil War Arc and the larger conspiracy surrounding the Homunculi.
Why This Arc Matters
The Rush Valley & Dublith Arc broadens the world of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood by introducing Xing, expanding the roles of Izumi Curtis and Ling Yao, and revealing the internal conflict among the Homunculi.
It also strengthens the emotional themes of the series by showing that even powerful alchemists must live with the consequences of their choices while preparing viewers for the darker conflicts ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Rush Valley & Dublith Arc in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood?
It is the third major story arc, following Edward and Alphonse as they visit Rush Valley, reunite with Izumi Curtis, and confront Greed at Devil’s Nest.
2. Which anime episodes cover the Rush Valley & Dublith Arc?
The arc is adapted in Episodes 10–14 of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.
3. Which manga chapters cover the Rush Valley & Dublith Arc?
The arc adapts approximately Chapters 10–20 of the Fullmetal Alchemist manga.
4. Who are the main antagonists of the Rush Valley & Dublith Arc?
The primary antagonists are Greed and his chimera followers, while King Bradley emerges as a major threat during the arc’s climax.
5. What happens after the Rush Valley & Dublith Arc?
After Greed’s defeat and the revelations about the Homunculi, the story shifts toward the history of Amestris and the events surrounding the Ishval Civil War Arc.
