Chapter 454: Military Exercise
June 1875 — East African Kingdom, Central Province, Mikumi Region
Mikumi lies at the transition between the highland and plains of Central Province—a confluence of mountains, hills, and flatlands, where forests meet savannas.
The rainy season had just ended. The soil was still moist, and a mist lingered among the hills. The Central Railway cut through the region like a steel dragon, disappearing from the coastal plains into the East African highlands.
Along both sides of the railway lay villages and fertile fields. But this year, locals were treated to a spectacle—a grand military exercise by the East African Royal Army held in Mikumi. Starting at 5:00 a.m., the roar of artillery and gunfire shattered the region's calm. Smoke even rose from the slopes visible across the farmland.
Using the railway, the East African Guard Division was rapidly deployed to Mikumi, facing off against the Southern Military District—battle-tested veterans who had fought the Boers. A massive mock battle unfolded.
"Blue Team, Third Combat Squad: enemy has entered the jungle. Do not engage recklessly. Enter in squad formation, maintain distance, avoid being picked off!"
"Movement detected—25 degrees left, suspicious activity in the brush."
"Prepare grenades!"
As a smoke grenade was deployed, Blue Team's Third Squad was quickly enveloped in mist.
An exercise judge following the squad announced: "You were hit by Red Team explosive. Center of blast zone. Estimated casualty rate: 40%."
"That's not fair! Grenades aren't that powerful in real combat—this is rigged!"
"This exercise's rules extend small explosive damage radius by two meters—not just for you, but all participating forces. The judgment stands!"
"Still, even if we were injured, that doesn't mean all of us are dead! Back in the western jungles, grenades didn't even kill the natives outright—they could still fight!"
"Heh. This drill follows the most brutal wartime standards. If you're hit, you're dead—no wounded status. In real conditions, injuries in tough terrain mean you're as good as gone. The enemy won't give you a second chance. Every decision counts. One small mistake could mean the difference between victory and defeat."
A Blue Team soldier, still protesting, said: "So what, we just lie here now?"
"Yes. Hand over your life tags. Wait until the exercise ends. Surviving personnel continue combat."
After the judge left, the "dead" soldiers muttered:
"That was a fluke. Our position got exposed by accident. Normally we're well hidden. This time we had a judge tagging along—it really tied our hands."
"Damn it, maybe the judge gave us away. Could he be a Red Team mole?"
"No way. The judges are from other military districts. They wouldn't show favoritism. Take us for example—none of us would respect the Guard Division, so the bias would probably favor us instead."
"Forget the judge—our tactics were sloppy. That little thicket was too crowded. I was the first in there. Couldn't the rest of you pick a different spot?"
"It was the only decent hiding spot. The rest were too exposed."
"Then yeah, we deserved to lose. Next time, we spread out..."
While Blue Team discussed their mistakes, the Red Team's squad leader wasn't pleased either:
"Look at yourselves! If I hadn't caught the enemy's movement, we'd have been ambushed! Next time in the jungle, you must scout properly. Against a well-trained enemy, we'd be wiped!"
Back at the exercise command center, tensions were running high.
"Reinhard, aren't you feeling smug? Look at your equipment versus ours! I'm telling you, compared to your Guard Division, we're like the army's unwanted stepchildren!"
"Corioli, don't slander us. Yes, the Guard Division has better gear, but we earned our edge. Plus, we had serious restrictions. You had superior terrain from the start and played defense—hardly a small advantage."
"Oh really? Your 12-pounder guns are outrageous! They're just 6-pounders on paper! Could even be 24-pounders! We're still stuck with 3-pounders. And the machine guns—your side has ten times more! Don't get me started on ammo and logistics. This wasn't a fair fight!"
"Heh. No helping it. The Red Team represents a European-style army. Our East African forces can't match European equipment, and this disparity is exactly what we need to train for. Besides, most of our heavy gear couldn't even be used properly—terrain was too rough. In some cases, lightweight weapons performed better."
Chief Commander Swiwet cut in: "Enough bickering. This drill is a rehearsal. We're testing how East Africa would fare against European powers. The equipment gap is this extreme. Our troops must train under the harshest conditions and still deliver results."
"Chief of Staff, I get that. But which European country could even deploy a force of that scale to East Africa? Even the British would struggle!"
"True, but never underestimate the powers. If any major state commits fully to attacking East Africa, it would be disastrous for us."
At that moment, Ernst entered the command tent.
"Your Highness!" The officers saluted.
Ernst waved them off. "At ease. I came to inspect the drill personally. Continue as you were. What's the current situation?"
Swiwet reported, "Your Highness, the drill isn't over yet, but so far the Red Team has the upper hand. Blue Team is struggling to hold them back."
Ernst nodded. "After it ends, Red Team needs to summarize thoroughly. They better represent our actual military conditions. The Guard Division is a special case. So any challenges the Red Team faces, we might also face. We're the defenders here in Africa—we must be fully prepared."
"Your Highness, do you really think Europe will invade Africa?"
Ernst answered firmly: "Absolutely. It's only a matter of time. Multiple powers are already moving on the Far East. South America is also boiling with conflict. This economic crisis isn't like the British-only ones in the past—every European industrial state has been affected. To divert attention, they'll wage fiercer wars than ever. This isn't a local or national crisis—it's global."
"Even East Africa won't be spared?"
"Not a chance. Africa is in the crosshairs. Italy, Belgium, and France have already made moves. Once others follow, East Africa can't escape. If we don't want to share the fate of weaker nations, we must be more ruthless and more powerful. Only the strong are respected. These exercises are meant to prepare our army for the crisis and pressure from East Africa's future enemies."
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