Edward and Alphonse Elric arrive in Xenotime but are ushered out and accused of identity theft on the basis of the "Elric Brothers" already working in Mugear's employ. The Elrics discover that the imposters are Russell and Fletcher Tringham, the sons of Nash who had once been in Mugear's employ but disappeared. Mugear reveals his work in the production of Red Stones, alchemical augmenters with the ability to mimic the sought-after Philosopher's Stone. Using the material's main ingredient, the Red Water, he seeks to bring Xenotime back to its former glory, as well as make a profit.