The Columbians immediately sealed off the news, compared the photographs with historical records, and finally reached a conclusion—she was the deity who had ridden a dragon across Ursus, suspected to be a shrine-made construct.
"Are you certain?"
"We can basically confirm it, Colonel."
Joe was the project supervisor, yet he possessed none of the traits of a corporate employee or researcher. Instead, he wore a military uniform. After earning his master's degree, Joe had not continued his studies. He had chosen to become an engineer in the military instead. Now, he was responsible for liaising with project teams from major corporations, conducting cost assessments and reviewing results.
"Can you identify her race?"
"The light wings on her back possess obvious angelic traits, but there is no halo. We can boldly conclude that when a construct ascends from human to godhood, all racial traits naturally disappear. After all, according to existing research, all racial characteristics are shackles imposed upon us by the Godborn."
Joe's deduction earned a snort from the senior officer.
"You have what it takes to become a science-fiction novelist. No wonder you never pursued a doctorate. I imagine your romantic fantasies conflicted with rigorous science."
After all, Columbia had completely cast aside backward [religion].
Churches and inquisitions were nothing more than tax-exempt parasites. Gods and devils, whatever their state of life might be, were still biological organisms.
Those without reproductive barriers were of the same kind. What truly distinguished one person from another was the amount of money they possessed. Best of all, everything could change. A tycoon standing above tens of thousands could become a debt-ridden pauper overnight. With the luck to spot a business opportunity, one could swiftly rise through the social classes...
Legends of gods were the most insignificant things in Columbia. It was not