/* -- TOKENS -- */
    :root {
        --c-bg: #EDE7C7; /* Vanilla Cream */
        --c-surface: #ffffff;
        --c-card: rgba(255, 255, 255, .9);
        --c-card-h: rgba(204, 0, 0, .05);
        --c-border: rgba(20, 9, 1, .1);
        --c-border-v: rgba(91, 2, 2, .15);
        --brick-ember: #CC0000; /* Brick Ember */
        --c-green: #00a86b;
        --black-cherry: #5B0202; /* Black Cherry */
        --c-amber: #f59e0b;
        --c-pink: #ec4899;
        --c-text: #140901; /* Pitch Black */
        --c-muted: #3D3830;
        --c-head: #140901;
        --ff-title: 'Orbitron', sans-serif;
        --ff-body: 'Inter', sans-serif;
        --ff-mono: 'Share Tech Mono', monospace;
        --glow-cyan: 0 0 18px rgba(204, 0, 0, .28), 0 14px 40px rgba(204, 0, 0, .14);
        --glow-violet: 0 0 18px rgba(91, 2, 2, .24), 0 14px 40px rgba(91, 2, 2, .12);
        --glow-green: 0 0 12px rgba(0, 168, 107, .28);
    }

    body {
        background: var(--c-bg) !important;
        color: var(--c-text) !important;
        font-family: var(--ff-body) !important;
        font-size: 16px;
        line-height: 1.75;
        -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;
        -moz-osx-font-smoothing: grayscale;
    }

    /* ── GRID BG ── */
    .gt-page-wrap {
        position: relative;
        overflow: hidden;
    }

    .gt-page-wrap::before {
        content: '';
        position: fixed;
        inset: 0;
        background-image:
            linear-gradient(rgba(204, 0, 0, .03) 1px, transparent 1px),
            linear-gradient(90deg, rgba(204, 0, 0, .03) 1px, transparent 1px);
        background-size: 60px 60px;
        pointer-events: none;
        z-index: 0;
        animation: gridPulse 8s ease-in-out infinite;
    }

    .gt-page-wrap::after {
        content: '';
        position: fixed;
        inset: 0;
        background: radial-gradient(ellipse 90% 55% at 50% -5%, rgba(204, 0, 0, .06) 0%, transparent 65%);
        pointer-events: none;
        z-index: 0;
    }

    @keyframes gridPulse {

        0%,
        100% {
            opacity: .7
        }

        50% {
            opacity: 1
        }
    }

    .container {
        position: relative;
        z-index: 1;
        padding-left: 2rem;
        padding-right: 2rem;
    }

    /* ── HERO ── */
    .hero {
        background:
            linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(255, 255, 255, .92) 0%, rgba(237, 231, 199, .88) 45%, rgba(250, 250, 247, .92) 100%),
            url('https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1485827404703-89b55fcc595e?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1920&q=70') center/cover no-repeat !important;
        padding: 110px 0 90px !important;
        position: relative;
        overflow: hidden;
    }

    .hero::after {
        content: '';
        position: absolute;
        bottom: -120px;
        right: -80px;
        width: 800px;
        height: 800px;
        background: radial-gradient(circle, rgba(91, 2, 2, .05) 0%, transparent 70%);
        pointer-events: none;
        animation: orb2 14s ease-in-out infinite alternate;
    }

    @keyframes orb1 {
        0% {
            transform: translate(0, 0)
        }

        100% {
            transform: translate(60px, 40px)
        }
    }

    @keyframes orb2 {
        0% {
            transform: translate(0, 0)
        }

        100% {
            transform: translate(-50px, -30px)
        }
    }

    .about-grid {
        display: grid !important;
        grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr !important;
        gap: 3.5rem !important;
        align-items: center !important;
    }

    /* ── SHARED COMPONENTS ── */
    .eyebrow {
        font-family: var(--ff-mono) !important;
        font-size: .78rem !important;
        letter-spacing: .22em !important;
        text-transform: uppercase !important;
        color: var(--brick-ember) !important;
        margin-bottom: 1rem !important;
        display: flex;
        align-items: center;
        gap: .6rem;
    }

    .eyebrow::before {
        content: '//';
        opacity: .6;
    }

    .eyebrow.center {
        justify-content: center !important;
    }

    .eyebrow.no-slash::before {
        display: none !important;
    }

    .hero h1 {
        font-family: var(--ff-title) !important;
        font-size: clamp(1.85rem, 3.5vw, 2.8rem) !important;
        font-weight: 700 !important;
        line-height: 1.22 !important;
        letter-spacing: 0;
        color: var(--c-head) !important; /* Pitch Black */
        text-shadow: 0 0 40px rgba(204, 0, 0, .25), 0 2px 4px rgba(204, 0, 0, .14) !important; /* Brick Ember */
        margin-bottom: 1.3rem !important;
    }

    .hero-subtext {
        font-size: 1.08rem !important;
        color: var(--c-muted) !important; /* Muted text */
        line-height: 1.85 !important;
        margin-bottom: 2rem !important;
        max-width: 520px;
    }

    .btn-row {
        display: flex;
        flex-wrap: wrap;
        gap: .75rem;
        margin-bottom: 2rem;
    }

    .btn-primary {
        font-family: var(--ff-title) !important;
        font-size: .72rem !important;
        letter-spacing: .1em !important;
        background: rgba(204, 0, 0, .1) !important;
        color: var(--brick-ember) !important; /* Brick Ember */
        border: 1px solid rgba(204, 0, 0, .45) !important; /* Brick Ember */
        padding: .82rem 1.65rem !important;
        clip-path: polygon(8px 0%, 100% 0%, calc(100% - 8px) 100%, 0% 100%) !important;
        box-shadow: var(--glow-cyan) !important; /* Brick Ember glow */
        transition: background .25s, box-shadow .25s, color .25s !important;
        text-decoration: none !important;
        display: inline-flex;
        align-items: center;
        gap: .5rem;
    }

    .btn-primary:hover {
        background: rgba(204, 0, 0, .2) !important; /* Brick Ember */
        box-shadow: 0 0 24px rgba(204, 0, 0, .75), 0 0 55px rgba(204, 0, 0, .3) !important; /* Brick Ember glow */
        color: var(--c-head) !important; /* Pitch Black */
    }

    .btn-outline {
        font-family: var(--ff-title) !important;
        font-size: .72rem !important;
        letter-spacing: .1em !important;
        background: rgba(91, 2, 2, .07) !important; /* Black Cherry */
        color: var(--black-cherry) !important; /* Black Cherry */
        border: 1px solid rgba(91, 2, 2, .4) !important; /* Black Cherry */
        padding: .82rem 1.65rem !important;
        clip-path: polygon(8px 0%, 100% 0%, calc(100% - 8px) 100%, 0% 100%) !important;
        box-shadow: var(--glow-violet) !important; /* Black Cherry glow */
        transition: background .25s, box-shadow .25s, color .25s !important;
        text-decoration: none !important;
        display: inline-flex;
        align-items: center;
        gap: .5rem;
    }

    .btn-outline:hover {
        background: rgba(91, 2, 2, .15) !important; /* Black Cherry */
        box-shadow: 0 0 24px rgba(91, 2, 2, .75), 0 0 55px rgba(91, 2, 2, .3) !important; /* Black Cherry glow */
        color: var(--c-head) !important; /* Pitch Black */
    }

    .btn-dark {
        font-family: var(--ff-title) !important;
        font-size: .7rem !important;
        letter-spacing: .1em !important;
        padding: .82rem 1.65rem !important;
        clip-path: polygon(8px 0%, 100% 0%, calc(100% - 8px) 100%, 0% 100%) !important;
        display: inline-flex;
        align-items: center;
        gap: .5rem;
        text-decoration: none !important;
        background: var(--brick-ember) !important; /* Brick Ember */
        color: #ffffff !important;
        border: none !important;
        box-shadow: var(--glow-cyan) !important; /* Brick Ember glow */
        font-weight: 700;
        transition: background .25s, box-shadow .25s !important;
    }

    .btn-dark:hover {
        background: var(--black-cherry) !important; /* Black Cherry */
        box-shadow: 0 0 24px rgba(204, 0, 0, .9), 0 0 55px rgba(204, 0, 0, .35) !important; /* Brick Ember glow */
    }

    .btn-ghost {
        font-family: var(--ff-title) !important;
        font-size: .7rem !important;
        letter-spacing: .1em !important;
        padding: .82rem 1.65rem !important;
        clip-path: polygon(8px 0%, 100% 0%, calc(100% - 8px) 100%, 0% 100%) !important;
        display: inline-flex;
        align-items: center;
        gap: .5rem;
        text-decoration: none !important;
        background: rgba(91, 2, 2, .08) !important; /* Black Cherry */
        color: var(--black-cherry) !important; /* Black Cherry */
        border: 1px solid rgba(91, 2, 2, .35) !important; /* Black Cherry */
        box-shadow: var(--glow-violet) !important; /* Black Cherry glow */
        transition: background .25s, box-shadow .25s, color .25s !important;
    }

    .btn-ghost:hover {
        background: rgba(91, 2, 2, .15) !important; /* Black Cherry */
        box-shadow: 0 0 24px rgba(91, 2, 2, .8) !important; /* Black Cherry glow */
        color: var(--c-head) !important; /* Pitch Black */
    }

    /* image card */
    .image-card {
        position: relative;
        border: 1px solid rgba(204, 0, 0, .25) !important; /* Brick Ember */
        background: var(--c-card) !important;
        overflow: hidden !important;
        box-shadow: var(--glow-cyan), inset 0 0 60px rgba(204, 0, 0, .04) !important; /* Brick Ember glow */
        border-radius: 2px;
    }

    .image-card::before,
    .image-card::after {
        content: '';
        position: absolute;
        width: 18px;
        height: 18px;
        border-color: var(--brick-ember); /* Brick Ember */
        border-style: solid;
        z-index: 2;
    }

    .image-card::before {
        top: 8px;
        left: 8px;
        border-width: 2px 0 0 2px;
    }

    .image-card::after {
        bottom: 8px;
        right: 8px;
        border-width: 0 2px 2px 0;
    }

    .image-card img {
        width: 100%;
        display: block;
        filter: none !important;
        mix-blend-mode: normal;
        opacity: 1;
        transition: transform .4s;
    }

    .image-card:hover img {
        transform: scale(1.02);
    }

    /* strip card chrome without breaking sizing/reveal */
    .image-card.no-chrome {
        border: none !important;
        background: none !important;
        box-shadow: none !important;
    }

    .image-card.no-chrome::before,
    .image-card.no-chrome::after {
        content: none !important;
    }

    /* ── ABOUT HERO ORBIT SCENE ── */
    .about-scene {
        min-height: 420px;
        display: flex;
        align-items: center;
        justify-content: center;
        position: relative;
        overflow: hidden; /* Ensure content stays within bounds */
        background: radial-gradient(ellipse 70% 60% at 50% 50%, rgba(204, 0, 0, .06) 0%, transparent 70%); /* Brick Ember */
    }

    /* ambient pulse rings */
    .ab-ring {
        position: absolute;
        border-radius: 50%;
        border: 1px solid;
        top: 50%;
        left: 50%;
        transform: translate(-50%, -50%);
        pointer-events: none;
        animation: abRingPulse 4s ease-in-out infinite;
    }

    .ab-ring-1 {
        width: 250px;
        height: 250px;
        border-color: rgba(204, 0, 0, .10); /* Brick Ember */
    }

    .ab-ring-2 {
        width: 380px;
        height: 380px;
        border-color: rgba(91, 2, 2, .07); /* Black Cherry */
        animation-delay: 1s;
    }

    @keyframes abRingPulse {

        0%,
        100% {
            opacity: .4;
        }

        50% {
            opacity: 1;
        }
    }

    /* dashed orbit paths */
    .ab-orbit-path {
        position: absolute;
        border-radius: 50%;
        border: 1px dashed;
        top: 50%;
        left: 50%;
        transform: translate(-50%, -50%);
        pointer-events: none;
    }

    .ab-orbit-path-1 {
        width: 220px;
        height: 220px;
        border-color: rgba(204, 0, 0, .18); /* Brick Ember */
    }

    .ab-orbit-path-2 {
        width: 340px;
        height: 340px;
        border-color: rgba(91, 2, 2, .12); /* Black Cherry */
    }

    /* core hexagon badge */
    .ab-core {
        position: absolute;
        top: 50%;
        left: 50%;
        transform: translate(-50%, -50%);
        z-index: 10;
        width: 108px;
        height: 108px;
        display: flex;
        flex-direction: column;
        align-items: center;
        justify-content: center;
        clip-path: polygon(50% 0%, 93% 25%, 93% 75%, 50% 100%, 7% 75%, 7% 25%);
        background: linear-gradient(155deg, #EDE7C7 0%, #d8d2b2 100%); /* Vanilla Cream */
        animation: abCorePulse 3s ease-in-out infinite;
    }

    .ab-mk {
        display: none;
    }

    .ab-sys {
        display: none;
    }

    .ab-core img {
        width: 72px;
        height: 72px;
        object-fit: contain; /* Ensure image fits */
        filter: drop-shadow(0 0 10px rgba(204, 0, 0, .7)); /* Brick Ember */
    }

    @keyframes abCorePulse {

        0%,
        100% {
            box-shadow: 0 0 30px rgba(204, 0, 0, .5), 0 0 70px rgba(204, 0, 0, .15);
        }

        50% {
            box-shadow: 0 0 55px rgba(204, 0, 0, .85), 0 0 110px rgba(204, 0, 0, .3);
        }
    }

    /* orbit arms — pivot at scene centre */
    .ab-arm {
        position: absolute;
        top: 50%;
        left: 50%;
        height: 2px;
        transform-origin: left center;
        margin-top: -1px;
    }

    /* inner: r=110px, 3 nodes every 120°, 14s */
    .ab-arm-i1,
    .ab-arm-i2,
    .ab-arm-i3 {
        width: 110px;
        animation: abArmSpin 14s linear infinite;
    }

    .ab-arm-i2 {
        animation-delay: calc(-14s / 3);
    }

    .ab-arm-i3 {
        animation-delay: calc(-14s * 2 / 3);
    }

    /* outer: r=170px, 2 nodes every 180°, 22s reverse */
    .ab-arm-o1,
    .ab-arm-o2 {
        width: 170px;
        animation: abArmSpin 22s linear infinite reverse;
    }

    .ab-arm-o2 {
        animation-delay: -11s;
    }

    @keyframes abArmSpin {
        from {
            transform: rotate(0deg);
        }

        to {
            transform: rotate(360deg);
        }
    }

    /* icon bubble at arm tip */
    .ab-node {
        position: absolute;
        right: -21px;
        top: 50%;
        transform: translateY(-50%);
        width: 42px;
        height: 42px;
        display: flex;
        align-items: center;
        justify-content: center;
        border-radius: 50%;
        font-size: .92rem;
    }

    /* counter-spin inner */
    .ab-arm-i1 .ab-node,
    .ab-arm-i2 .ab-node,
    .ab-arm-i3 .ab-node {
        animation: abCounterI 14s linear infinite;
    }

    .ab-arm-i2 .ab-node {
        animation-delay: calc(-14s / 3);
    }

    .ab-arm-i3 .ab-node {
        animation-delay: calc(-14s * 2 / 3);
    }

    /* counter-spin outer */
    .ab-arm-o1 .ab-node,
    .ab-arm-o2 .ab-node {
        animation: abCounterO 22s linear infinite;
    }

    .ab-arm-o2 .ab-node {
        animation-delay: -11s;
    }

    @keyframes abCounterI {
        from {
            transform: translateY(-50%) rotate(0deg);
        }

        to {
            transform: translateY(-50%) rotate(-360deg);
        }
    }

    @keyframes abCounterO {
        from {
            transform: translateY(-50%) rotate(0deg);
        }

        to {
            transform: translateY(-50%) rotate(360deg);
        }
    }

    /* node colours */
    .ab-n-shield {
        background: rgba(204, 0, 0, .15); /* Brick Ember */
        border: 1px solid rgba(204, 0, 0, .5); /* Brick Ember */
        color: #CC0000; /* Brick Ember */
        box-shadow: 0 0 10px rgba(204, 0, 0, .4); /* Brick Ember */
    }

    .ab-n-code {
        background: rgba(91, 2, 2, .15); /* Black Cherry */
        border: 1px solid rgba(91, 2, 2, .5); /* Black Cherry */
        color: #5B0202; /* Black Cherry */
        box-shadow: 0 0 10px rgba(91, 2, 2, .4); /* Black Cherry */
    }

    .ab-n-net {
        background: rgba(74, 222, 128, .12);
        border: 1px solid rgba(74, 222, 128, .4);
        color: #4ade80;
        box-shadow: 0 0 10px rgba(74, 222, 128, .3); /* Green glow */
    }

    .ab-n-chip {
        background: rgba(204, 0, 0, .08); /* Brick Ember */
        border: 1px solid rgba(204, 0, 0, .28); /* Brick Ember */
        color: rgba(204, 0, 0, .75); /* Brick Ember */
    }

    .ab-n-users {
        background: rgba(192, 132, 252, .08);
        border: 1px solid rgba(192, 132, 252, .25);
        color: rgba(192, 132, 252, .75);
    }

    /* floating scan line inside scene */
    .ab-scan {
        position: absolute;
        left: 0;
        right: 0;
        height: 1px;
        background: linear-gradient(90deg, transparent, rgba(204, 0, 0, .35), transparent); /* Brick Ember */
        animation: abScan 5s linear infinite;
        pointer-events: none;
        opacity: 0;
    }

    @keyframes abScan {
        0% {
            top: 0%;
            opacity: 0;
        }

        5% {
            opacity: 1;
        }

        90% {
            opacity: .6;
        }

        100% {
            top: 100%;
            opacity: 0;
        }
    }

    /* ── SECTION BACKGROUNDS ── */
    .section-bg {
        background:
            linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(237, 231, 199, .97) 0%, rgba(216, 210, 178, .96) 100%), /* Vanilla Cream */
            url('https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1508739773434-c26b3d09e071?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1920&q=65') center/cover no-repeat fixed !important;
        padding: 90px 0 !important;
        border-top: 1px solid rgba(204, 0, 0, .07); /* Brick Ember */
        border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(204, 0, 0, .07); /* Brick Ember */
    }

    .section-alt {
        background:
            linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(255, 255, 255, .9) 0%, rgba(237, 231, 199, .92) 100%), /* Vanilla Cream */
            url('https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1518709268805-4e9042af2176?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1920&q=65') center/cover no-repeat fixed !important;
        padding: 90px 0 !important;
        border-top: 1px solid rgba(91, 2, 2, .07); /* Black Cherry */
    }

    /* ── SECTION HEADERS ── */
    .section-head {
        text-align: center;
        max-width: 660px;
        margin: 0 auto 3.5rem;
    }

    .section-head-centered {
        text-align: center;
        max-width: 660px;
        margin: 0 auto 3.5rem;
    }

    .section-head h2,
    .section-head-centered h2 {
        font-family: var(--ff-title) !important;
        font-size: clamp(1.55rem, 2.8vw, 2.15rem) !important;
        font-weight: 700 !important;
        letter-spacing: 0;
        color: var(--c-head) !important;
        text-shadow: 0 0 28px rgba(204, 0, 0, .2) !important; /* Brick Ember */
        margin: .85rem 0 1.1rem !important;
    }

    .section-head p,
    .section-head-centered p {
        color: var(--c-muted) !important; /* Muted text */
        font-size: 1.08rem !important;
        line-height: 1.85 !important;
    }

    /* ── INFO CARDS ── */
    .cards-grid {
        display: grid !important;
        grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr) !important;
        gap: 1.5rem !important;
    }

    @media (max-width: 960px) {
        .cards-grid {
            grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr) !important;
        }
    }

    @media (max-width: 560px) {
        .cards-grid {
            grid-template-columns: 1fr !important;
        }
    }

    .core-values-grid {
        display: grid !important;
        grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr) !important;
        gap: 1.75rem !important;
    }

    .company-profile-grid {
        display: grid !important;
        grid-template-columns: repeat(5, minmax(0, 1fr)) !important;
        gap: 1.25rem !important;
    }

    .profile-card {
        min-height: 100%;
        display: flex;
        flex-direction: column;
    }

    .profile-card p+p {
        margin-top: .8rem !important;
    }

    @media (max-width: 1180px) {
        .company-profile-grid {
            grid-template-columns: repeat(6, 1fr) !important;
        }
        .company-profile-grid > .profile-card {
            grid-column: span 2;
        }
        .company-profile-grid > .profile-card:nth-child(4) {
            grid-column: 2 / span 2;
        }
        .company-profile-grid > .profile-card:nth-child(5) {
            grid-column: 4 / span 2;
        }
    }

    @media (max-width: 820px) {
        .company-profile-grid {
            grid-template-columns: repeat(4, 1fr) !important;
        }
        .company-profile-grid > .profile-card,
        .company-profile-grid > .profile-card:nth-child(4) {
            grid-column: span 2 !important;
        }
        .company-profile-grid > .profile-card:nth-child(5) {
            grid-column: 2 / span 2 !important;
        }
    }

    @media (max-width: 560px) {
        .company-profile-grid {
            grid-template-columns: 1fr !important;
        }
        .company-profile-grid > .profile-card,
        .company-profile-grid > .profile-card:nth-child(4),
        .company-profile-grid > .profile-card:nth-child(5) {
            grid-column: 1 / -1 !important;
        }
    }

    .profile-read-more-wrap {
        margin-top: auto;
        padding-top: 1.25rem;
    }

    .profile-read-more {
        width: 100%;
        border: 1px solid rgba(0, 109, 252, .28) !important;
        background: linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(255, 255, 255, .92), rgba(225, 240, 255, .9)) !important;
        color: var(--brick-ember) !important;
        box-shadow: 0 10px 24px rgba(0, 82, 204, .1);
        cursor: pointer;
        border-radius: 8px;
        padding: .65rem 1rem !important;
        font-family: var(--ff-title) !important;
        font-size: .7rem !important;
        font-weight: 700;
        letter-spacing: .1em;
        text-transform: uppercase;
        display: inline-flex;
        align-items: center;
        justify-content: center;
        gap: .5rem;
        transition: transform .2s ease, box-shadow .2s ease, background .2s ease, color .2s ease;
    }

    .profile-read-more:hover,
    .profile-read-more:focus-visible {
        transform: translateY(-1px);
        outline: none;
        color: #fff !important;
        background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--brick-ember), var(--black-cherry)) !important;
        box-shadow: var(--glow-cyan), 0 14px 28px rgba(0, 82, 204, .16);
    }

    /* ── VALUE CARDS ── */
    .value-card {
        position: relative;
        background: var(--c-card);
        border: 1px solid rgba(96, 165, 250, .12);
        border-left: 3px solid transparent;
        padding: 2rem 1.85rem 2rem 2rem;
        overflow: hidden;
        transition: transform .35s ease, box-shadow .35s ease, border-color .35s ease, background .35s ease;
        display: flex;
        flex-direction: column;
        gap: 1rem;
    }

    .value-card::after {
        content: attr(data-index);
        position: absolute;
        top: -8px;
        right: 14px;
        font-family: var(--ff-title);
        font-size: 5.5rem;
        font-weight: 900;
        line-height: 1;
        color: rgba(96, 165, 250, .05);
        pointer-events: none;
        transition: color .35s ease;
        letter-spacing: 0;
    }

    .value-card:hover::after {
        color: rgba(96, 165, 250, .09);
    }

    .value-card .vc-scan {
        position: absolute;
        top: 0;
        left: 0;
        right: 0;
        height: 2px;
        transform: scaleX(0);
        transform-origin: left;
        transition: transform .45s ease;
    }

    .value-card:hover .vc-scan {
        transform: scaleX(1);
    }

    /* colour variants */
    .value-card.vc-blue {
        border-left-color: rgba(96, 165, 250, .4);
    }

    .value-card.vc-sky {
        border-left-color: rgba(56, 189, 248, .4);
    }

    .value-card.vc-violet {
        border-left-color: rgba(192, 132, 252, .4);
    }

    .value-card.vc-emerald {
        border-left-color: rgba(74, 222, 128, .4);
    }

    .value-card.vc-blue .vc-scan {
        background: linear-gradient(90deg, var(--brick-ember), transparent);
    }

    .value-card.vc-sky .vc-scan {
        background: linear-gradient(90deg, #38bdf8, transparent);
    }

    .value-card.vc-violet .vc-scan {
        background: linear-gradient(90deg, var(--black-cherry), transparent);
    }

    .value-card.vc-emerald .vc-scan {
        background: linear-gradient(90deg, var(--c-green), transparent);
    }

    .value-card.vc-blue:hover {
        border-color: rgba(96, 165, 250, .35);
        border-left-color: rgba(96, 165, 250, .8);
        box-shadow: -4px 0 24px rgba(96, 165, 250, .2), 0 20px 40px rgba(0, 82, 204, .16);
    }

    .value-card.vc-sky:hover {
        border-color: rgba(56, 189, 248, .3);
        border-left-color: rgba(56, 189, 248, .8);
        box-shadow: -4px 0 24px rgba(56, 189, 248, .2), 0 20px 40px rgba(0, 82, 204, .16);
    }

    .value-card.vc-violet:hover {
        border-color: rgba(192, 132, 252, .3);
        border-left-color: rgba(192, 132, 252, .8);
        box-shadow: -4px 0 24px rgba(192, 132, 252, .2), 0 20px 40px rgba(0, 82, 204, .16);
    }

    .value-card.vc-emerald:hover {
        border-color: rgba(74, 222, 128, .3);
        border-left-color: rgba(74, 222, 128, .8);
        box-shadow: -4px 0 24px rgba(74, 222, 128, .2), 0 20px 40px rgba(0, 82, 204, .16);
    }

    .value-card:hover {
        transform: translateY(-5px);
        background: var(--c-card-h);
    }

    .vc-header {
        display: flex;
        align-items: flex-start;
        gap: 1rem;
    }

    .vc-icon {
        flex-shrink: 0;
        width: 46px;
        height: 46px;
        display: flex;
        align-items: center;
        justify-content: center;
        font-size: 1.15rem;
        clip-path: polygon(6px 0%, 100% 0%, calc(100% - 6px) 100%, 0% 100%);
        transition: transform .3s, box-shadow .3s;
    }

    .value-card:hover .vc-icon {
        transform: scale(1.08);
    }

    .vc-icon-blue {
        color: var(--brick-ember);
        background: rgba(96, 165, 250, .1);
        box-shadow: inset 0 0 0 1px rgba(96, 165, 250, .2);
    }

    .vc-icon-sky {
        color: #38bdf8;
        background: rgba(56, 189, 248, .1);
        box-shadow: inset 0 0 0 1px rgba(56, 189, 248, .2);
    }

    .vc-icon-violet {
        color: var(--black-cherry);
        background: rgba(192, 132, 252, .1);
        box-shadow: inset 0 0 0 1px rgba(192, 132, 252, .2);
    }

    .vc-icon-emerald {
        color: var(--c-green);
        background: rgba(74, 222, 128, .1);
        box-shadow: inset 0 0 0 1px rgba(74, 222, 128, .2);
    }

    .vc-titles {
        display: flex;
        flex-direction: column;
        gap: .2rem;
        padding-top: .1rem;
    }

    .vc-num {
        font-family: var(--ff-mono);
        font-size: .65rem;
        letter-spacing: .2em;
        text-transform: uppercase;
        opacity: .5;
        line-height: 1;
    }

    .vc-blue .vc-num {
        color: var(--brick-ember);
    }

    .vc-sky .vc-num {
        color: var(--brick-ember);
    }

    .vc-violet .vc-num {
        color: var(--black-cherry);
    }

    .vc-emerald .vc-num {
        color: var(--c-green);
    }

    .vc-title {
        font-family: var(--ff-title) !important;
        font-size: .93rem !important;
        font-weight: 700 !important;
        color: var(--c-head) !important;
        letter-spacing: .04em !important;
        line-height: 1.3;
        margin: 0 !important;
    }

    .vc-body {
        font-size: .97rem !important;
        color: #b8ccdf !important;
        line-height: 1.8 !important;
        margin: 0 !important;
        padding-left: calc(46px + 1rem);
    }

    @media (max-width: 1024px) {
        .core-values-grid {
            grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr) !important;
        }
    }

    @media (max-width: 600px) {
        .core-values-grid {
            grid-template-columns: 1fr !important;
        }

        .vc-body {
            padding-left: 0;
        }
    }

    .info-card {
        background: var(--c-card);
        border: 1px solid var(--c-border);
        padding: 2rem 1.75rem;
        position: relative;
        overflow: hidden;
        transition: transform .3s, box-shadow .3s, border-color .3s, background .3s;
    }

    .info-card::before,
    .info-card::after {
        content: '';
        position: absolute;
        width: 12px;
        height: 12px;
        border-color: var(--brick-ember);
        border-style: solid;
        z-index: 2;
        transition: width .3s, height .3s;
    }

    .info-card::before {
        top: 6px;
        left: 6px;
        border-width: 1.5px 0 0 1.5px;
    }

    .info-card::after {
        bottom: 6px;
        right: 6px;
        border-width: 0 1.5px 1.5px 0;
    }

    .info-card:hover {
        transform: translateY(-5px);
        background: var(--c-card-h);
        border-color: rgba(204, 0, 0, .45); /* Brick Ember */
        box-shadow: var(--glow-cyan), 0 20px 40px rgba(20, 9, 1, .16); /* Brick Ember glow, Pitch Black shadow */
    }

    .info-card:hover::before,
    .info-card:hover::after {
        width: 18px;
        height: 18px;
    }

    .info-card .scan-top {
        position: absolute;
        top: 0;
        left: 0;
        right: 0;
        height: 2px;
        background: linear-gradient(90deg, transparent, var(--brick-ember), transparent); /* Brick Ember */
        transform: scaleX(0);
        transition: transform .4s;
    }

    .info-card:hover .scan-top {
        transform: scaleX(1);
    }

    .card-icon {
        width: 48px;
        height: 48px;
        display: flex;
        align-items: center;
        justify-content: center;
        font-size: 1.25rem;
        margin-bottom: 1.25rem;
        position: relative;
    }

    .card-icon::after {
        content: '';
        position: absolute;
        inset: 0;
        border: 1px solid currentColor;
        opacity: .3;
        clip-path: polygon(6px 0%, 100% 0%, calc(100% - 6px) 100%, 0% 100%);
    }

    .card-icon-blue {
        color: var(--brick-ember); /* Brick Ember */
        background: rgba(204, 0, 0, .07); /* Brick Ember */
    }

    .card-icon-sky {
        color: var(--brick-ember); /* Using primary for consistency */
        background: rgba(204, 0, 0, .07); /* Using primary for consistency */
    }

    .card-icon-violet {
        color: var(--black-cherry); /* Black Cherry */
        background: rgba(91, 2, 2, .07); /* Black Cherry */
    }

    .card-icon-emerald {
        color: var(--c-green);
        background: rgba(74, 222, 128, .07);
    }

    .info-card h3 {
        font-family: var(--ff-title) !important;
        font-size: .95rem !important;
        font-weight: 700 !important;
        color: var(--c-head) !important;
        letter-spacing: .04em !important;
        margin-bottom: .75rem !important;
    }

    .info-card p {
        font-size: .96rem !important;
        color: var(--c-muted) !important; /* Muted text */
        line-height: 1.78 !important;
        margin: 0 !important;
    }

    /* ── TWO-COL ── */
    .two-col {
        display: grid !important;
        grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr !important;
        gap: 3.5rem !important;
        align-items: center !important;
        padding: 90px 0 !important;
    }

    .story-section .two-col {
        padding-left: clamp(1.25rem, 4vw, 4rem) !important;
        padding-right: clamp(1.25rem, 4vw, 4rem) !important;
    }

    .two-col h2 {
        font-family: var(--ff-title) !important;
        font-size: clamp(1.45rem, 2.5vw, 2rem) !important;
        font-weight: 700 !important;
        letter-spacing: 0;
        color: var(--c-head) !important;
        text-shadow: 0 0 24px rgba(204, 0, 0, .2) !important; /* Brick Ember */
        margin: .7rem 0 1rem !important;
    }

    .two-col>div>p {
        color: var(--c-muted) !important; /* Muted text */
        font-size: 1.05rem !important;
        line-height: 1.8 !important;
        margin-bottom: 1.5rem !important;
    }

    /* timeline */
    .timeline {
        display: flex;
        flex-direction: column;
        gap: .85rem;
    }

    .timeline-item {
        font-size: .97rem;
        color: var(--c-text);
        padding: .9rem 1.1rem .9rem 1.3rem;
        border-left: 2px solid rgba(204, 0, 0, .3); /* Brick Ember */
        background: rgba(204, 0, 0, .04); /* Brick Ember */
        position: relative;
        transition: border-color .25s, background .25s, transform .25s;
        cursor: default;
    }

    .timeline-item::before {
        content: '';
        position: absolute;
        top: 50%;
        left: -5px;
        width: 8px;
        height: 8px;
        background: var(--brick-ember); /* Brick Ember */
        border-radius: 50%;
        transform: translateY(-50%); /* Center vertically */
        box-shadow: var(--glow-cyan); /* Brick Ember glow */
        transition: transform .25s;
    }

    .timeline-item:hover {
        border-color: var(--brick-ember); /* Brick Ember */
        background: rgba(204, 0, 0, .08); /* Brick Ember */
        transform: translateX(4px);
    }

    .timeline-item:hover::before {
        transform: translateY(-50%) scale(1.4);
    }

    .timeline-item strong {
        color: var(--brick-ember); /* Brick Ember */
    }

    /* ── MISSION / VISION ── */
    .mvv-grid {
        display: grid !important;
        grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr !important;
        gap: 2rem !important;
    }

    .mvv-card {
        background: var(--c-card);
        border: 1px solid var(--c-border);
        padding: 2.5rem 2rem;
        position: relative;
        overflow: hidden;
        transition: transform .3s, box-shadow .3s, border-color .3s;
    }

    .mvv-card::after {
        content: '';
        position: absolute;
        inset: 0;
        background: linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(204, 0, 0, .03) 0%, transparent 60%); /* Brick Ember */
        pointer-events: none;
    }

    .mvv-card:hover {
        transform: translateY(-4px);
        box-shadow: var(--glow-cyan), 0 20px 40px rgba(20, 9, 1, .14); /* Brick Ember glow, Pitch Black shadow */
        border-color: rgba(204, 0, 0, .4); /* Brick Ember */
    }

    .mvv-icon {
        width: 56px;
        height: 56px;
        display: flex;
        align-items: center;
        justify-content: center;
        font-size: 1.4rem;
        margin-bottom: 1.5rem;
        clip-path: polygon(8px 0%, 100% 0%, calc(100% - 8px) 100%, 0% 100%);
    }

    .mvv-icon-blue {
        color: var(--brick-ember);
        background: rgba(204, 0, 0, .1); /* Brick Ember */
        box-shadow: var(--glow-cyan);
    }

    .mvv-icon-violet {
        color: var(--black-cherry);
        background: rgba(192, 132, 252, .1);
        box-shadow: var(--glow-violet);
    }

    .mvv-label {
        font-family: var(--ff-title) !important;
        font-size: .82rem !important;
        font-weight: 700 !important;
        letter-spacing: .12em !important;
        text-transform: uppercase;
        color: var(--brick-ember) !important;
        margin-bottom: .75rem !important;
    }

    .mvv-text {
        font-size: 1rem !important;
        color: #465c78 !important;
        line-height: 1.85 !important;
        margin: 0 !important;
    }

    /* ── CTA BAND ── */
    .cta-band {
        background:
            linear-gradient(90deg, rgba(246, 250, 255, .97) 0%, rgba(236, 244, 255, .95) 50%, rgba(244, 249, 255, .97) 100%),
            url('https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1516321318423-f06f85e504b3?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1920&q=65') center/cover no-repeat !important;
        border-top: 1px solid rgba(96, 165, 250, .1) !important;
        border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(96, 165, 250, .1) !important;
        padding: 70px 0 !important;
        position: relative;
        overflow: hidden;
    }

    .cta-band::before {
        content: '';
        position: absolute;
        inset: 0;
        background: radial-gradient(ellipse 70% 100% at 50% 110%, rgba(96, 165, 250, .05) 0%, transparent 70%);
        pointer-events: none;
    }

    .cta-band-inner {
        display: flex;
        align-items: center;
        justify-content: space-between;
        flex-wrap: wrap;
        gap: 2rem;
    }

    .cta-band h2 {
        font-family: var(--ff-title) !important;
        font-size: clamp(1.25rem, 2.5vw, 1.8rem) !important;
        font-weight: 700 !important;
        letter-spacing: 0;
        color: var(--c-head) !important;
        margin-bottom: .45rem !important;
        text-shadow: 0 0 24px rgba(204, 0, 0, .2) !important; /* Brick Ember */
    }

    .cta-band p {
        color: #465c78 !important;
        font-size: 1.05rem !important;
        line-height: 1.75 !important;
    }

    /* ── REVEAL ANIMATIONS ── */
    .reveal,
    .reveal-left,
    .reveal-right {
        opacity: 0;
        transition: opacity .7s ease, transform .7s ease;
    }

    .reveal {
        transform: translateY(30px);
    }

    .reveal-left {
        transform: translateX(-40px);
    }

    .reveal-right {
        transform: translateX(40px);
    }

    .reveal.visible,
    .reveal-left.visible,
    .reveal-right.visible {
        opacity: 1 !important;
        transform: none !important;
    }

    .delay-1 {
        transition-delay: .1s !important;
    }

    .delay-2 {
        transition-delay: .2s !important;
    }

    .delay-3 {
        transition-delay: .3s !important;
    }

    .delay-4 {
        transition-delay: .4s !important;
    }

    /* ── LIGHT GAMING THEME OVERRIDES ── */
    .gt-page-wrap {
        background:
            radial-gradient(circle at 8% 12%, rgba(204, 0, 0, .18) 0 120px, transparent 280px), /* Brick Ember */
            radial-gradient(circle at 88% 8%, rgba(91, 2, 2, .16) 0 110px, transparent 300px), /* Black Cherry */
            radial-gradient(circle at 72% 74%, rgba(0, 168, 107, .13) 0 120px, transparent 320px),
            linear-gradient(rgba(204, 0, 0, .07) 1px, transparent 1px), /* Brick Ember */
            linear-gradient(90deg, rgba(91, 2, 2, .055) 1px, transparent 1px), /* Black Cherry */
            linear-gradient(180deg, #EDE7C7 0%, #dcd6b6 46%, #EDE7C7 100%) !important; /* Vanilla Cream */
        background-size: auto, auto, auto, 54px 54px, 54px 54px, auto;
    }

    .gt-page-wrap::before {
        background-image:
            linear-gradient(rgba(204, 0, 0, .13) 1px, transparent 1px), /* Brick Ember */
            linear-gradient(90deg, rgba(91, 2, 2, .09) 1px, transparent 1px) !important; /* Black Cherry */
        background-size: 36px 36px;
        -webkit-mask-image: radial-gradient(circle at 50% 16%, #000 0%, transparent 72%);
        mask-image: radial-gradient(circle at 50% 16%, #000 0%, transparent 72%);
        opacity: .75;
    }

    .gt-page-wrap::after {
        background:
            linear-gradient(120deg, rgba(204, 0, 0, .18), transparent 34%),
            linear-gradient(300deg, rgba(0, 168, 107, .15), transparent 42%),
            radial-gradient(circle at 50% 0%, rgba(255, 255, 255, .45), transparent 34%) !important;
        opacity: .95;
    }

    .hero {
        background:
            linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(255, 255, 255, .68) 0%, rgba(237, 231, 199, .76) 48%, rgba(255, 255, 255, .82) 100%), /* Vanilla Cream */
            radial-gradient(circle at 72% 35%, rgba(204, 0, 0, .18), transparent 33%), /* Brick Ember */
            radial-gradient(circle at 18% 78%, rgba(91, 2, 2, .14), transparent 31%), /* Black Cherry */
            url('https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1518770660439-4636190af475?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1920&q=75') center/cover no-repeat fixed !important;
        border-color: rgba(20, 9, 1, .14) !important;
    }

    .hero::before {
        background:
            radial-gradient(circle, rgba(204, 0, 0, .24) 0%, transparent 68%), /* Brick Ember */
            conic-gradient(from 130deg, rgba(204, 0, 0, .08), rgba(91, 2, 2, .08), rgba(0, 168, 107, .06), rgba(204, 0, 0, .08)); /* Brick Ember, Black Cherry, Green */
        opacity: .95;
    }

    .hero::after {
        background:
            radial-gradient(circle, rgba(91, 2, 2, .2) 0%, transparent 68%), /* Black Cherry */
            linear-gradient(135deg, transparent 0 46%, rgba(204, 0, 0, .13) 46% 47%, transparent 47% 100%); /* Brick Ember */
        opacity: .95;
    }

    .hero h1,
    .section-head h2,
    .section-head-centered h2,
    .two-col h2,
    .cta-band h2,
    .info-card h3,
    .vc-title {
        color: var(--c-head) !important;
        letter-spacing: 0 !important;
        text-shadow: 0 0 22px rgba(204, 0, 0, .18) !important; /* Brick Ember */
    }

    .hero-subtext,
    .section-head p,
    .section-head-centered p,
    .two-col>div>p,
    .cta-band p,
    .info-card p,
    .vc-body,
    .mvv-text {
        color: #465c78 !important;
    }

    .hero-subtext {
        color: #213149 !important;
        font-weight: 500 !important;
        text-shadow: 0 1px 0 rgba(255, 255, 255, .65) !important;
    }

    .btn-primary,
    .btn-dark {
        background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--brick-ember), var(--black-cherry)) !important;
        color: #fff !important;
        border: none !important;
        box-shadow: var(--glow-cyan) !important;
        font-weight: 700;
    }

    .btn-primary:hover,
    .btn-dark:hover {
        background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--black-cherry), var(--brick-ember)) !important;
        box-shadow: 0 0 24px rgba(204, 0, 0, .9), 0 0 55px rgba(204, 0, 0, .35) !important;
        color: #fff !important;
    }

    .btn-outline,
    .btn-ghost {
        background: rgba(255, 255, 255, .78) !important;
        color: var(--black-cherry) !important;
        border-color: rgba(139, 92, 246, .35) !important;
    }

    .btn-outline:hover,
    .btn-ghost:hover {
        background: rgba(139, 92, 246, .1) !important;
        color: #5b21b6 !important;
    }

    .about-scene {
        background:
            linear-gradient(rgba(204, 0, 0, .055) 1px, transparent 1px), /* Brick Ember */
            linear-gradient(90deg, rgba(139, 92, 246, .045) 1px, transparent 1px), /* Black Cherry */
            rgba(255, 255, 255, .52); /* White with transparency */
        background-size: 24px 24px;
        border: 1px solid rgba(204, 0, 0, .14); /* Brick Ember */
        box-shadow: 0 24px 60px rgba(20, 9, 1, .14), inset 0 0 36px rgba(204, 0, 0, .06); /* Pitch Black shadow, Brick Ember glow */
    }

    .section-bg,
    .section-alt,
    .story-section,
    .cta-band {
        background:
            linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(237, 231, 199, .72) 0%, rgba(216, 210, 178, .78) 100%), /* Vanilla Cream */
            radial-gradient(circle at 20% 0%, rgba(204, 0, 0, .15), transparent 34%), /* Brick Ember */
            radial-gradient(circle at 88% 86%, rgba(0, 168, 107, .12), transparent 32%),
            url('https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1518709268805-4e9042af2176?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1920&q=70') center/cover no-repeat fixed !important;
    }

    .section-bg,
    .section-alt,
    .story-section,
    .cta-band,
    .section-values {
        position: relative;
        overflow: hidden;
    }

    .section-values {
        background:
            linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(255, 255, 255, .94), rgba(237, 231, 199, .72)), /* Vanilla Cream */
            linear-gradient(rgba(204, 0, 0, .05) 1px, transparent 1px), /* Brick Ember */
            linear-gradient(90deg, rgba(91, 2, 2, .045) 1px, transparent 1px) !important; /* Black Cherry */
        background-size: auto, 42px 42px, 42px 42px !important;
    }

    .section-bg::before,
    .section-alt::before,
    .story-section::before,
    .cta-band::after,
    .section-values::before {
        content: '';
        position: absolute;
        inset: 0;
        background:
            linear-gradient(115deg, transparent 0 18%, rgba(204, 0, 0, .08) 18% 18.4%, transparent 18.4% 64%, rgba(91, 2, 2, .08) 64% 64.35%, transparent 64.35%), /* Brick Ember, Black Cherry */
            radial-gradient(circle at 12% 22%, rgba(204, 0, 0, .12), transparent 18%), /* Brick Ember */
            radial-gradient(circle at 92% 82%, rgba(236, 72, 153, .09), transparent 20%);
        pointer-events: none;
        z-index: 0;
    }

    .section-bg > .container,
    .section-alt > .container,
    .story-section > .container,
    .cta-band > .container,
    .section-values > .container {
        position: relative;
        z-index: 1;
    }

    .ab-core,
    .value-card,
    .info-card,
    .profile-card,
    .mvv-card,
    .timeline-item,
    .image-card {
        background: linear-gradient(145deg, rgba(255, 255, 255, .94), rgba(238, 247, 255, .82)) !important;
        border-color: rgba(204, 0, 0, .24) !important; /* Brick Ember */
        box-shadow: 0 16px 40px rgba(20, 9, 1, .12), inset 0 0 0 1px rgba(255, 255, 255, .72) !important; /* Pitch Black shadow, White inset */
        backdrop-filter: blur(12px);
    }

    .value-card:hover,
    .info-card:hover,
    .profile-card:hover,
    .mvv-card:hover {
        border-color: rgba(204, 0, 0, .42) !important; /* Brick Ember */
        box-shadow: var(--glow-cyan), 0 20px 42 rgba(20, 9, 1, .18) !important; /* Brick Ember glow, Pitch Black shadow */
    }

    .value-card::after {
        color: rgba(204, 0, 0, .07); /* Brick Ember */
        letter-spacing: 0;
    }

    .value-card:hover::after {
        color: rgba(204, 0, 0, .12); /* Brick Ember */
    }

    .value-card.vc-blue:hover,
    .value-card.vc-sky:hover,
    .value-card.vc-violet:hover,
    .value-card.vc-emerald:hover {
        border-color: rgba(204, 0, 0, .42) !important; /* Brick Ember */
        box-shadow: var(--glow-cyan), 0 20px 42px rgba(20, 9, 1, .18) !important; /* Brick Ember glow, Pitch Black shadow */
    }

    .timeline-item {
        background: linear-gradient(90deg, rgba(204, 0, 0, .1), rgba(255, 255, 255, .78)) !important; /* Brick Ember */
        box-shadow: 0 10px 28px rgba(20, 9, 1, .08) !important; /* Pitch Black shadow */
        color: var(--c-text);
    }

    .timeline-item:hover {
        background: rgba(204, 0, 0, .08); /* Brick Ember */
    }

    .vc-icon,
    .card-icon,
    .mvv-icon {
        filter: drop-shadow(0 10px 18px rgba(204, 0, 0, .18)); /* Brick Ember */
    }

    .vc-icon-blue,
    .card-icon-blue,
    .mvv-icon-blue {
        color: var(--brick-ember);
        background: rgba(255, 255, 255, .78);
        box-shadow: inset 0 0 18px currentColor;
    }

    .vc-icon-violet,
    .card-icon-violet,
    .mvv-icon-violet {
        color: var(--black-cherry);
        background: rgba(255, 255, 255, .78);
        box-shadow: inset 0 0 18px currentColor;
    }

    .vc-icon-emerald,
    .card-icon-emerald {
        color: var(--c-green);
        background: rgba(255, 255, 255, .78);
        box-shadow: inset 0 0 18px currentColor;
    }

    .vc-icon-sky,
    .card-icon-sky {
        color: var(--brick-ember); /* Brick Ember */
        background: rgba(255, 255, 255, .78);
        box-shadow: inset 0 0 18px currentColor;
    }

    .hero .image-card.no-chrome,
    .hero .image-card.no-chrome:hover {
        background: transparent !important;
        border: 0 !important;
        box-shadow: none !important;
        backdrop-filter: none !important;
        overflow: visible !important;
        clip-path: none !important;
    }

    .hero .about-scene {
        background: transparent !important;
        border: 0 !important;
        box-shadow: none !important;
        backdrop-filter: none !important;
        overflow: visible !important;
    }

    .hero .ab-ring {
        border-width: 2px;
        box-shadow: 0 0 18px currentColor, inset 0 0 18px currentColor;
    }

    .hero .ab-ring-1 {
        border-color: rgba(204, 0, 0, .46); /* Brick Ember */
        color: rgba(204, 0, 0, .18); /* Brick Ember */
    }

    .hero .ab-ring-2 {
        border-color: rgba(91, 33, 182, .36);
        color: rgba(91, 33, 182, .15);
    }

    .hero .ab-orbit-path {
        border-width: 1.5px;
        background: rgba(255, 255, 255, .04);
        filter: drop-shadow(0 0 7px rgba(204, 0, 0, .35)); /* Brick Ember */
    }

    .hero .ab-orbit-path-1 {
        border-color: rgba(204, 0, 0, .54); /* Brick Ember */
    }

    .hero .ab-orbit-path-2 {
        border-color: rgba(91, 33, 182, .44);
    }

    .hero .ab-node {
        background: rgba(255, 255, 255, .86);
        box-shadow: 0 10px 24px rgba(20, 9, 1, .2), 0 0 18px currentColor; /* Pitch Black shadow */
        backdrop-filter: blur(6px);
    }

    .hero .ab-n-shield,
    .hero .ab-n-chip {
        border-color: rgba(204, 0, 0, .62); /* Brick Ember */
        color: #CC0000; /* Brick Ember */
    }

    .hero .ab-n-code,
    .hero .ab-n-users {
        border-color: rgba(91, 33, 182, .56);
        color: #6d28d9;
    }

    .hero .ab-n-net {
        border-color: rgba(0, 128, 83, .54);
        color: #008053;
    }

    /* ── RESPONSIVE ── */
    @media (max-width: 900px) {

        .about-grid,
        .two-col,
        .mvv-grid {
            grid-template-columns: 1fr !important;
        }

        .two-col {
            padding: 60px 0 !important;
        }
    }

    @media (max-width: 600px) {
        .container {
            padding-left: clamp(.85rem, 4vw, 1.25rem);
            padding-right: clamp(.85rem, 4vw, 1.25rem);
        }

        .cta-band-inner {
            flex-direction: column;
            text-align: center;
        }

        .gt-page-wrap {
            background:
                radial-gradient(circle at 0% 8%, rgba(0, 109, 252, .16) 0 90px, transparent 230px),
                radial-gradient(circle at 100% 42%, rgba(139, 92, 246, .12) 0 80px, transparent 240px),
                linear-gradient(rgba(0, 109, 252, .06) 1px, transparent 1px),
                linear-gradient(90deg, rgba(139, 92, 246, .045) 1px, transparent 1px),
                linear-gradient(180deg, #f6fbff 0%, #eaf4ff 48%, #f8fbff 100%) !important;
            background-size: auto, auto, 42px 42px, 42px 42px, auto;
        }

        .section-bg,
        .section-alt,
        .story-section,
        .cta-band {
            background-attachment: scroll !important;
        }
    }

    /* ── ABOUT MODAL ── */
    .about-modal {
        position: fixed;
        inset: 0;
        z-index: 9999;
        display: none;
        align-items: center;
        justify-content: center;
        padding: 1.25rem;
    }

    .about-modal.is-open {
        display: flex;
    }

    .about-modal-backdrop {
        position: absolute;
        inset: 0;
        background:
            radial-gradient(circle at 18% 20%, rgba(204, 0, 0, .16), transparent 34%), /* Brick Ember */
            radial-gradient(circle at 82% 12%, rgba(91, 2, 2, .12), transparent 30%), /* Black Cherry */
            rgba(255, 255, 255, .62) !important; /* White with transparency */
        backdrop-filter: blur(8px) !important;
    }

    .about-modal-panel {
        --modal-accent: var(--black-cherry);
        --modal-pad-side: clamp(1.4rem, 4vw, 2.6rem);
        position: relative;
        width: min(760px, 100%);
        max-height: min(86vh, 820px);
        overflow: hidden;
        border: 1px solid rgba(91, 2, 2, .24) !important; /* Black Cherry */
        border-radius: 26px;
        background: linear-gradient(145deg, rgba(255, 255, 255, .97), rgba(237, 231, 199, .92)) !important; /* Vanilla Cream */
        box-shadow: 0 28px 90px rgba(20, 9, 1, .22), var(--glow-violet), inset 0 0 0 1px rgba(255, 255, 255, .72) !important; /* Pitch Black shadow, Black Cherry glow */
        color: var(--c-text);
        transform: translateY(12px) scale(.98);
        opacity: 0;
        transition: transform .22s ease, opacity .22s ease;
        display: flex;
        flex-direction: column;
        backdrop-filter: blur(16px) !important;
    }

    .about-modal.is-open .about-modal-panel {
        transform: none;
        opacity: 1;
    }

    .about-modal-panel::before,
    .about-modal-panel::after {
        content: '';
        position: absolute;
        width: 34px;
        height: 34px;
        border-color: var(--modal-accent);
        border-style: solid;
        pointer-events: none;
    }

    .about-modal-panel::before {
        top: 14px;
        left: 14px;
        border-width: 2px 0 0 2px;
    }

    .about-modal-panel::after {
        right: 14px;
        bottom: 14px;
        border-width: 0 2px 2px 0;
    }

    .about-modal-header {
        display: flex;
        justify-content: space-between;
        align-items: flex-start;
        gap: 1rem;
        padding: var(--modal-pad-side) var(--modal-pad-side) 1.25rem;
        border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(91, 2, 2, .12); /* Black Cherry */
        flex-shrink: 0;
    }

    .about-modal-scroll {
        padding: 1.25rem var(--modal-pad-side) var(--modal-pad-side);
        overflow-y: auto;
        flex: 1;
        min-height: 0;
        scrollbar-width: thin;
        scrollbar-color: rgba(139, 92, 246, 0.2) transparent;
    }

    .about-modal-scroll::-webkit-scrollbar {
        width: 6px;
    }

    .about-modal-scroll::-webkit-scrollbar-track {
        background: transparent; /* Transparent track */
    }

    .about-modal-scroll::-webkit-scrollbar-thumb {
        background: rgba(91, 2, 2, 0.2); /* Black Cherry */
        border-radius: 4px; /* Rounded corners */
    }

    .about-modal-scroll::-webkit-scrollbar-thumb:hover {
        background: rgba(91, 2, 2, 0.4); /* Black Cherry */
    }

    .about-modal-panel.has-scroll .about-modal-scroll {
        -webkit-mask-image: linear-gradient(to bottom, black calc(100% - var(--modal-pad-side)), transparent 100%);
        mask-image: linear-gradient(to bottom, black calc(100% - var(--modal-pad-side)), transparent 100%);
    }

    .about-modal-kicker {
        display: inline-flex;
        align-items: center;
        gap: .45rem;
        font-family: var(--ff-mono) !important;
        font-size: .72rem !important;
        letter-spacing: .16em;
        text-transform: uppercase;
        color: var(--modal-accent);
        background: rgba(255, 255, 255, .76);
        border: 1px solid rgba(91, 2, 2, .18); /* Black Cherry */
        border-radius: 999px;
        padding: .42rem .8rem;
    }

    .about-modal-title {
        font-family: var(--ff-title) !important;
        font-size: clamp(1.45rem, 3vw, 2.2rem) !important;
        line-height: 1.2;
        letter-spacing: .04em;
        color: var(--c-head) !important;
        margin: .9rem 0 0 !important;
    }

    .about-modal-content {
        color: var(--c-muted) !important; /* Muted text */
        font-size: 1.02rem !important;
        line-height: 1.85 !important;
        margin: 0 !important;
    }

    .about-modal-content p {
        margin-bottom: 1rem !important;
        text-indent: 1.5rem !important;
    }
    
    .about-modal-content p:last-child {
        margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    }

    .about-modal-close {
        flex: 0 0 auto;
        width: 42px;
        height: 42px;
        display: inline-grid;
        place-items: center;
        border: 1px solid rgba(20, 9, 1, .12);
        border-radius: 50%;
        background: rgba(255, 255, 255, .86);
        color: var(--c-head);
        cursor: pointer;
        transition: transform .2s, background .2s, color .2s;
    }

    .about-modal-close:hover,
    .about-modal-close:focus-visible {
        transform: rotate(90deg);
        background: var(--modal-accent);
        color: #fff;
        outline: none;
    }

    @keyframes scrollBounce {
        0%, 20%, 50%, 80%, 100% { transform: translateY(0); }
        40% { transform: translateY(-5px); }
        60% { transform: translateY(-3px); }
    }

    .scroll-indicator {
        position: absolute;
        bottom: 0;
        left: 0;
        right: 0;
        height: var(--modal-pad-side);
        background: transparent;
        pointer-events: none;
        display: flex;
        align-items: center;
        justify-content: center;
        color: var(--modal-accent);
        font-size: 1.25rem;
        opacity: 0;
        transition: opacity 0.3s ease;
        animation: scrollBounce 2s infinite;
        z-index: 10;
    }

    .about-modal-panel.has-scroll .scroll-indicator {
        opacity: 1;
    }

    .about-modal-panel.is-bottom .scroll-indicator {
        opacity: 0;
        animation: none;
    }

    body.about-modal-locked {
        overflow: hidden;
    }

    @media (max-width: 760px) {
        .about-modal {
            padding: .85rem;
        }

        .about-modal-header {
            gap: .75rem;
        }

        .about-modal-close {
            width: 38px;
            height: 38px;
        }
    }

    @media (max-width: 400px) {
        .about-scene {
            min-height: 320px;
        }

        .ab-ring-1 {
            width: 180px;
            height: 180px;
        }

        .ab-ring-2 {
            width: 280px;
            height: 280px;
        }

        .ab-orbit-path-1 {
            width: 160px;
            height: 160px;
        }

        .ab-orbit-path-2 {
            width: 260px;
            height: 260px;
        }

        .ab-core {
            width: 80px;
            height: 80px;
        }

        .ab-core img {
            width: 50px;
            height: 50px;
        }

        .ab-arm-i1,
        .ab-arm-i2,
        .ab-arm-i3 {
            width: 80px;
        }

        .ab-arm-o1,
        .ab-arm-o2 {
            width: 130px;
        }

        .ab-node {
            width: 32px;
            height: 32px;
            font-size: .75rem;
            right: -16px;
        }
    }