Flame versus Metal!
     Smoke filled the air as East City was rocked by a series of explosions earlier today that left 
many residents startled and shaken.
     Although Amestris has had numerous border skirmishes with neighboring Creta and 
Aruego, these were not the cause of the battle. Nor was the damage due to any Ishbal rebels, 
industrial accidents, or even natural disasters.
     According to the military, a planned duel between two of its State Alchemists took place at 
approximately noon on the parade grounds situated within the military headquarters. The 
contestants were Colonel Roy Mustang, also known as the Flame Alchemist, and Major Edward 
Elric, also known as the Full Metal Alchemist. The duel acted as a test for Major Elric's 
recertification.
     State Alchemists operate under the jurisdiction of the military, giving rise to the term 
"military dogs." In exchange for their service, State Alchemists are given funding to conduct 
their own alchemical research at their discretion. However, all State Alchemists must be 
recertified on a yearly basis in order to maintain their status, and also allows the military to 
keep track of their research efforts.
     "I think it was a wonderful idea," Fuhrer King Bradley told reporters after the duel had 
concluded. "Usually State Alchemists just bring in a report, or show off what they've been 
doing over the past year. It's rare to see such a display of talent. Plus, it keeps the military on 
their toes. When Major Elric suggested it to me, I immediately gave him my approval."
     The two alchemists certainly stepped on a lot of toes during the duel itself. Colonel 
Mustang's flame alchemy were the main cause of the explosions, which while tightly 
controlled, still spilled over into the audience of military officers when Major Elric ducked into 
the crowd to dodge the Colonel's fire. In a bold feint, Major Elric managed to destroy the 
Colonel's glove, which greatly enhances the Colonel's battle, then transmuted the grounds into 
an enormous cannon. However, Colonel Mustang used his other glove to destroy the cannon 
before it could be fired.
     No one is quite certain who exactly won the duel, as no winner was officially announced.
     "Of course I won," Colonel Mustang answered reporters. "I clearly had the upper hand 
throughout the entire duel, even when Edward had transmuted the cannon ? which, I might 
add, was quite overdone."
     "Mustang didn't have the upper hand throughout the entire battle," Major Elric contested 
when we interviewed him. "He hesitated at the end, which gave me the perfect opening to win 
the duel! Then the Fuhrer stepped in an stopped it before I could finish him off!"
     Regardless of the results, everyone agreed it was an amazing contest. Witnesses described 
the battle as "fast, frenetic, and full of fire and fleeing folks." By the time the duel had finished, 
the parade grounds were in shambles and over two dozen officers were reported injured.
     "Perhaps they went a little too far," Fuhrer Bradley admitted.
     The Colonel agreed. "I suppose I did overdo it a little. Still, it was a wonderful exercise. It's 
good to practice ones abilities every so often, or you'll start to go soft."
     Major Elric would not comment on this subject.
     Both the Colonel and the Major were charged with the task of restoring the parade grounds.