Edward learns that his steel automail is not suited for the cold weather at Briggs Fortress. Olivier asks the Elric brothers about the purpose of their arrival, but they only mention their search for May, intriguing Olivier because of her interest in alkahestry. Edward has a challenging encounter with Major Miles who is part Ishvalan, and they also run into Falman who has been posted to Briggs. Suddenly, the homunculus named Sloth appears from underground, and Olivier is surprised at his invulnerability. Edward holds back his knowledge about the homunculus, only mentioning that its makeup is similar to that of a human, which gives Olivier an idea on how to defeat it.