1931 The Grand Punk Railroad: Express/Prologue VI: Alchemist

Synopsis
An alchemist discusses two letters he received from two old friends of his: one from Maiza Avaro, informing him of Szilard Quates' death and inviting him up to New York City for a visit; and the other from Begg Garrott of the Runorata Family, who wants to buy the alchemist's newest explosives by-product. Both old friends learned of his whereabouts from a certain information brokerage.

The alchemist recalls how Szilard devoured so many of his fellow immortals and chastises Szilard for it - but only because the alchemist would have devoured them all instead. He reveals that after he became immortal, he was abused by someone he trusted - someone whom he eventually devoured. As a result, the alchemist trusts no one and plans to preemptively devour the other immortals first.

Czes decides to travel to New York and sell the explosives to Begg, and then devour Begg and Maiza both. He smuggles his explosives on board the transcontinental express Flying Pussyoot and, as per the demon's rules, registers his real name on the passenger list. It is this name, Czeslaw Meyer, that he gives the Young Conductor as he boards the train.

Trivia

 * Czes mistakenly assumes that Maiza devoured Szilard, an assumption that many of Szilard's followers share.
 * Begg is not actually named as Czes' second old acquaintance. His identity and debut are confirmed and made in the next volume.

Characters in Order of Appearance

 * Czeslaw Meyer
 * Young Conductor