How hard is it to become an alchemist in the world of FMA?
Highlights
- Alchemy in Fullmetal Alchemist combines science and magic, requiring knowledge of chemistry, physics, and molecular science.
- Every individual has the potential to become an alchemist, as they possess a Gate of Truth within their soul.
- State Alchemists, acknowledged and employed by the country of Amestris, enjoy benefits like financial support and military privileges, but also face risks and obligations.
GAMERANT VIDEO OF THE DAY
SCROLL TO CONTINUE WITH CONTENT
In the world of Fullmetal Alchemist, those who can perform alchemy, also known as Alchemists, seem to wield a massive superpower. They can shoot blazing flames from their fingers, build multi-storey walls in a matter of seconds, and conjure up swords, spears, and even cannons from the ground, just to name a few.
Seeing how they can bend the laws of nature with ease, it begs the question, are they the chosen few, or can anybody learn to be an alchemist? Is Alchemical abilities something that you were born with, such as the Quirks in My Hero Academia, or is it something that you can learn, such as the concept of Nen in Hunter x Hunter?
Between Science And Magic
In the world of Fullmetal Alchemist, Alchemy actually lies between science and magic. As a matter of fact, in order to be an alchemist, you have to be extremely versed in various conventional scientific fields, such as math, physics, and the most important of all is chemistry.
After all, Alchemy works according to the three basic principles, Comprehension, Deconstruction, and Reconstruction. Alchemists should be able to immediately Comprehend the molecular structure of an object before they Deconstruct said object and then Reconstruct it into an entirely new object. This process requires a deep knowledge of Advanced Chemistry and Molecular Science, among other things.
That being said, such knowledge is only the first half of Alchemy, the other half is the knowledge of the manipulation of Earth energy and the creation of Transmutation Circles. After all, the energy that enabled an Alchemical process comes from the massive surge of energy caused by the movement of the Earth Crusts and the Tectonic Plates.
Furthermore, that energy needs to be channeled through a Transmutation circle in order to execute an alchemical process. Needless to say, different applications require different kinds of Transmutation Circles. That is why this part of the equation is pretty similar to magic.
The Gate of Truth
Within the soul of every living being, there is a massive gate-like structure known as The Gate of Truth. This gate is adorned with beautiful engravings that cover the whole gate. The size and the design of the gate differs from person to person. After all, the gate is carved through an individual’s knowledge and experience in life.
The Gate of Truth itself represents an individual’s potential on Alchemy. And since every individual has their own Gate of Truth deep within their soul, this means everybody has the potential to become an Alchemist. So regarding the question of whether or not anybody can become an Alchemist, the answer is a resounding yes.
One thing worth noting, however, is the fact that nobody can see this gate. The overwhelming majority of people don’t even know about the existence of this gate within them. The only people that get the chance to see this gate are those who commit the ultimate sin in Alchemy, which is the Human Transmutation. That is why only the Elric Brothers, their teacher, colonel Mustang, and a few other people in the series have seen their Gate of Truth.
Alchemist vs State Alchemist
Now that we know that everybody has the potential to become an Alchemist as long as they are willing to learn about it, it’s time to talk about the difference between a regular Alchemist vs individuals known as the State Alchemist. After all, although everybody can learn about Alchemy, only the most talented ones can become a State Alchemist.
As the name suggests, a State Alchemist is an Alchemist who has been officially acknowledged and employed by the country of Amestris. In order to become one, an Alchemist has to pass through a series of extremely difficult tests, including written exams, psychological evaluations, and practical exams witnessed by the upper echelons of Amestris’s military, including the Führer himself. If said individual passed the rigorous exams, the Fuhrer will grant them an official title, which is how Edward got the name “Fullmetal Alchemist”.
A state Alchemist gets to enjoy lots of benefits, such as the Government’s full financial support on any research that they want, access to lots of public and State-owned resources, and since a State Alchemist is equal to a Major in the Amestris military, they also get to exercise their military privilege, such as commanding troops, using military assets, and accessing military-grade information, among other thing.
That being said, since the country of Amestris considers their State Alchemists as part of the military, that means the Government can force them to risk their lives on the frontline at any given moment. Not only that, they are also obligated to show the fruit of their research to the Government on time. Failure to do so means their license would be revoked. So it’s not all sunshine and rainbows for the State Alchemists in Amestris.
But it goes without saying that it is certainly one of the best professions that anybody can have in that country. After all, they get access to an absurd amount of money, command a rather high level of authority, and enjoy the respect and admiration of the people.
Fullmetal Alchemist is available to stream on Crunchyroll.
Fuente: successacademy.edu.vn
Categorías: Anime