/* ======================== RESET & BASE ======================== */
*, *::before, *::after { box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0; padding: 0; }

html {
  scroll-behavior: smooth;
  scroll-padding-top: calc(var(--nav-h) + 1rem);
  background-color: var(--black);
}

body {
  font-family: 'Montserrat', system-ui, sans-serif;
  background: var(--bg-dark);
  color: var(--white);
  line-height: 1.6;
  -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;
  overflow-x: hidden;
}

/* ======================== TOKENS ======================== */
:root {
  /* Rich Red-to-Black Gradient Spectrum (Swiss Brutalist Grid) */
  --black:         #09080a;
  --bg-dark:       #09080a;    /* Matte cinematic dark space */
  --red-deep:      #0d0407;
  --red-shadow:    rgba(227, 11, 28, 0.05); /* Faint visual ambient glow */
  --red-mid:       #3a020a;
  --red:           #e30b1c;    /* Pure vibrant signal red */
  --red-light:     #ff3346;    /* Bright active indicator red */
  
  --white:         #ffffff;
  --text-dim:      rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.76);
  --text-ghost:    rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.60);
  
  /* Strict 1px hairline rules */
  --border-light:  rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.08);
  --border-active: rgba(227, 11, 28, 0.4);
  
  /* Typography */
  --font-display:  'Space Grotesk', 'Montserrat', sans-serif;
  
  /* Animations */
  --dur:  0.35s;
  --ease: cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);
  
  /* Layout constraints */
  --max-w:        1200px;
  --nav-h:        72px;
}

/* ======================== TYPOGRAPHY ======================== */
h1, h2, h3 {
  font-family: var(--font-display);
  line-height: 1.05;
  letter-spacing: -0.02em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
}

/* ======================== STRUCTURAL GRID & CONTAINER ======================== */
.container {
  width: 100%;
  max-width: var(--max-w);
  margin: 0 auto;
  padding: 0 clamp(1.25rem, 5vw, 3rem);
  position: relative;
  z-index: 2;
  /* Thin vertical structural layout lines running down the page */
  border-left: 1px solid var(--border-light);
  border-right: 1px solid var(--border-light);
}


/* Cinematic Focus Ruler */
.hero-focus-ruler {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 1.25rem;
  margin-bottom: 1.5rem;
  width: 100%;
}

.ruler-line {
  flex-grow: 1;
  height: 1px;
  background: linear-gradient(90deg, rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.15) 30%, transparent 100%);
}

.hero-focus-ruler .ruler-line:last-child {
  background: linear-gradient(270deg, rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.15) 30%, transparent 100%);
}

.ruler-numbers {
  font-family: var(--font-display);
  font-size: 0.62rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--text-ghost);
  letter-spacing: 0.18em;
  white-space: nowrap;
}


/* ======================== BUTTONS ======================== */
.btn {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  gap: 0.5rem;
  padding: 0.85rem 1.75rem;
  font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif;
  font-size: 0.8rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: 0.08em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  border-radius: 8px;
  border: none;
  cursor: pointer;
  text-decoration: none;
  transition:
    background var(--dur) var(--ease),
    transform  var(--dur) var(--ease),
    box-shadow var(--dur) var(--ease);
  white-space: nowrap;
}

.btn--primary {
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(227, 11, 28, 0.7) 0%, rgba(227, 11, 28, 0.3) 100%);
  backdrop-filter: blur(12px);
  -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(12px);
  color: var(--white);
  border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25);
  border-top-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.5);
  border-bottom-color: rgba(227, 11, 28, 0.5);
  box-shadow: 
    0 10px 25px rgba(227, 11, 28, 0.3),
    inset 0 0 20px rgba(227, 11, 28, 0.4);
  position: relative;
  overflow: hidden;
  animation: btnPulse 2.5s infinite alternate var(--ease);
}
.btn--primary:hover {
  transform: translateY(-2px) scale(1.02);
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(227, 11, 28, 0.9) 0%, rgba(227, 11, 28, 0.5) 100%);
  border-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.4);
  border-top-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);
  box-shadow: 
    0 15px 35px rgba(227, 11, 28, 0.6),
    inset 0 0 30px rgba(227, 11, 28, 0.6);
}
.btn--primary::after, .btn--nav::after {
  content: '';
  position: absolute;
  top: 0;
  left: -150%;
  width: 50%;
  height: 100%;
  background: linear-gradient(
    90deg,
    rgba(255, 255, 255, 0) 0%,
    rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.35) 50%,
    rgba(255, 255, 255, 0) 100%
  );
  transform: skewX(-20deg);
  pointer-events: none;
  animation: btnSheen 4.5s infinite ease-in-out;
}
.btn--primary:active {
  transform: translateY(1px);
  box-shadow: 0 0 12px rgba(227, 11, 28, 0.4), inset 0 0 15px rgba(227, 11, 28, 0.4);
}

@keyframes btnPulse {
  0% { box-shadow: 0 0 15px rgba(227, 11, 28, 0.4), 0 4px 10px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.3), inset 0 0 15px rgba(227, 11, 28, 0.4); }
  100% { box-shadow: 0 0 35px rgba(227, 11, 28, 0.8), 0 4px 10px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.3), inset 0 0 25px rgba(227, 11, 28, 0.6); }
}

@keyframes btnSheen {
  0% { left: -100%; }
  15% { left: 150%; }
  100% { left: 150%; }
}

.btn--nav {
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(227, 11, 28, 0.6) 0%, rgba(227, 11, 28, 0.2) 100%);
  backdrop-filter: blur(12px);
  -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(12px);
  color: var(--white);
  border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.2);
  border-top-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.4);
  border-bottom-color: rgba(227, 11, 28, 0.4);
  padding: 0.55rem 1.25rem;
  font-size: 0.75rem;
  border-radius: 6px;
  box-shadow: 
    0 4px 15px rgba(227, 11, 28, 0.2),
    inset 0 0 10px rgba(227, 11, 28, 0.3);
  transition: all 0.3s var(--ease);
  position: relative; /* For sheen positioning */
  overflow: hidden; /* To clip the sheen */
}
.btn--nav:hover {
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(227, 11, 28, 0.8) 0%, rgba(227, 11, 28, 0.4) 100%);
  border-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.3);
  border-top-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.6);
  box-shadow: 
    0 6px 20px rgba(227, 11, 28, 0.4),
    inset 0 0 15px rgba(227, 11, 28, 0.5);
  transform: translateY(-1px);
}

.btn--block {
  width: 100%;
}

/* ======================== NAVIGATION ======================== */
.nav {
  position: fixed;
  top: 0; left: 0; right: 0;
  z-index: 100;
  height: var(--nav-h);
  background: rgba(5, 0, 1, 0.85);
  backdrop-filter: blur(20px);
  -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(20px);
  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--border-light);
  transition: background var(--dur) var(--ease);
}

.nav.scrolled {
  background: rgba(5, 0, 1, 0.98);
  box-shadow: 0 10px 40px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.6);
}

.nav__inner {
  height: 100%;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: space-between;
  border-left: none;
  border-right: none;
}

.nav__logo {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 0.6rem;
  text-decoration: none;
}

.nav__logo-mark {
  font-family: var(--font-display);
  font-size: 1.45rem;
  font-weight: 800;
  color: var(--white);
  letter-spacing: -0.02em;
  white-space: nowrap; /* Prevents dollar from wrapping to a new line on mobile */
}

.nav__logo-dollar {
  color: var(--red);
  display: inline-block;
  transform-style: preserve-3d;
  perspective: 1000px;
  animation: spinDollar 5s infinite ease-in-out;
}

@keyframes spinDollar {
  0% { transform: rotateY(0deg); }
  18% { transform: rotateY(360deg); }
  100% { transform: rotateY(360deg); }
}

.nav__logo-full {
  font-size: 0.8rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  color: var(--text-dim);
  letter-spacing: 0.02em;
}

.nav__menu {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 1.75rem;
}

.nav__link {
  position: relative;
  font-size: 0.78rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: 0.06em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--text-dim);
  text-decoration: none;
  transition: color var(--dur) var(--ease);
}

.nav__link::after {
  content: '';
  position: absolute;
  left: 0;
  right: 0;
  bottom: -7px;
  height: 2px;
  background: var(--red);
  transform: scaleX(0);
  transform-origin: left;
  transition: transform var(--dur) var(--ease);
}

.nav__link:hover {
  color: var(--white);
}

.nav__link:hover::after {
  transform: scaleX(1);
}

.nav__actions {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 0.7rem;
}

.nav__burger {
  display: none;
  flex-direction: column;
  justify-content: center;
  gap: 5px;
  width: 42px;
  height: 38px;
  padding: 0 9px;
  background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.06);
  border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.15);
  border-radius: 6px;
  cursor: pointer;
}

.nav__burger span {
  display: block;
  width: 100%;
  height: 2px;
  border-radius: 2px;
  background: var(--white);
  /* Closing: the bars unrotate first, the middle one fades back in afterwards.
     Opening uses the reverse order (see .nav.menu-open below). Without this the
     three bars are briefly visible at different angles and read as an asterisk. */
  transition: transform 0.22s var(--ease), opacity 0.1s linear 0.14s;
}

@media (max-width: 900px) {
  .nav__logo-full {
    display: none;
  }

  .nav__burger {
    display: flex;
  }

  .nav.menu-open .nav__burger span:nth-child(1) {
    transform: translateY(7px) rotate(45deg);
    transition: transform 0.22s var(--ease) 0.1s;
  }

  .nav.menu-open .nav__burger span:nth-child(2) {
    opacity: 0;
    transform: scaleX(0.15);
    transition: transform 0.1s var(--ease), opacity 0.1s linear;
  }

  .nav.menu-open .nav__burger span:nth-child(3) {
    transform: translateY(-7px) rotate(-45deg);
    transition: transform 0.22s var(--ease) 0.1s;
  }

  .nav__menu {
    position: absolute;
    top: 100%;
    left: 0;
    right: 0;
    flex-direction: column;
    align-items: stretch;
    gap: 0;
    padding: 0 1.25rem;
    max-height: 0;
    overflow: hidden;
    background: rgba(5, 0, 1, 0.98);
    backdrop-filter: blur(20px);
    -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(20px);
    border-bottom: 1px solid var(--border-light);
    transition: max-height 0.35s var(--ease);
  }

  .nav.menu-open .nav__menu {
    max-height: 260px;
  }

  .nav__link {
    padding: 1.05rem 0;
    font-size: 0.9rem;
    border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.07);
  }

  .nav__link:last-child {
    border-bottom: none;
  }

  .nav__link::after {
    display: none;
  }
}

/* ======================== HERO SECTION ======================== */
.hero {
  min-height: 100svh;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  justify-content: flex-start; /* Fixes top cutoff on small screens */
  position: relative;
  overflow: hidden;
  padding-top: calc(var(--nav-h) + 2rem);
  padding-bottom: 2rem;
  background-color: #080203; /* Slightly lighter warm dark */
  background-image: 
    radial-gradient(ellipse at 20% 0%, rgba(227, 11, 28, 0.15) 0%, transparent 50%),
    radial-gradient(ellipse at 80% 100%, rgba(138, 4, 16, 0.25) 0%, transparent 60%);
}

/* Premium Animated Ambient Mesh */
.hero::before {
  content: '';
  position: absolute;
  inset: -50%;
  z-index: 0;
  background-image: 
    radial-gradient(circle at 40% 60%, rgba(227, 11, 28, 0.12) 0%, transparent 40%),
    radial-gradient(circle at 80% 30%, rgba(255, 51, 70, 0.08) 0%, transparent 35%),
    radial-gradient(circle at 50% 50%, rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.03) 0%, transparent 70%);
  animation: hero-mesh 20s ease-in-out infinite alternate;
  pointer-events: none;
}

@keyframes hero-mesh {
  0% { transform: translate(0, 0) scale(1) rotate(0deg); }
  50% { transform: translate(-3%, 4%) scale(1.05) rotate(3deg); }
  100% { transform: translate(3%, -4%) scale(1) rotate(-2deg); }
}


.hero__inner {
  position: relative;
  z-index: 1;
  padding: clamp(3rem, 6vh, 5rem) clamp(2rem, 4vw, 4rem);
  margin-top: 2rem;
  margin-bottom: 2rem;
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.04) 0%, rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.01) 100%);
  backdrop-filter: blur(16px);
  -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(16px);
  border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.1);
  border-radius: 32px;
  box-shadow: 
    0 30px 60px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.4),
    inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.15),
    inset 0 0 30px rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.03);
}

/* Two-column layout split by a vertical divider */
.hero-grid-wrapper {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
  gap: clamp(2rem, 4vw, 4rem);
  align-items: center;
  max-width: 1080px; /* Centers focal points on widescreen desktop */
  margin: 0 auto;
  width: 100%;
}

.hero-text-side {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
}

.hero__eyebrow {
  display: flex;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
  gap: 0.6rem;
  margin-bottom: 2rem;
}

/* Glassmorphic Gradient Pill Badge */
.pill {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  padding: 0.45rem 1.1rem;
  font-size: 0.7rem;
  font-weight: 800;
  letter-spacing: 0.12em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--white);
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.12) 0%, rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.02) 100%);
  backdrop-filter: blur(12px);
  -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(12px);
  border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.18);
  border-radius: 50px;
  box-shadow: 0 4px 15px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.3), inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.1);
}



.hero__title {
  font-size: clamp(2.5rem, 4.5vw, 4.2rem);
  font-weight: 900;
  margin-bottom: 1.75rem;
  letter-spacing: -0.035em;
  
  /* Silver/white premium metallic shine */
  background: linear-gradient(
    120deg, 
    var(--white) 35%, 
    #f1f5f9 43%, 
    #ffffff 48%, 
    #ffffff 52%, 
    #cbd5e1 57%, 
    var(--white) 65%
  );
  background-size: 200% auto;
  -webkit-background-clip: text;
  -webkit-text-fill-color: transparent;
  background-clip: text;
  color: var(--white);
  animation: premiumShineMetal 6s ease-in-out infinite;
}

.hero__title-accent {
  display: block;
  /* Gold-red hot metallic shine */
  background: linear-gradient(
    120deg,
    var(--red) 30%,
    var(--red-light) 40%,
    #ffc3c3 48%,
    #ffffff 50%,
    #ffc3c3 52%,
    var(--red-light) 60%,
    var(--red) 70%
  );
  background-size: 200% auto;
  -webkit-background-clip: text;
  -webkit-text-fill-color: transparent;
  background-clip: text;
  filter: drop-shadow(0 0 30px rgba(227, 11, 28, 0.4));
  animation: premiumShineRed 6s ease-in-out infinite;
  animation-delay: 0.3s; /* staggered start for the accent text */
}

@keyframes premiumShineMetal {
  0% {
    background-position: 200% 50%;
  }
  30% {
    background-position: -200% 50%;
  }
  100% {
    background-position: -200% 50%;
  }
}

@keyframes premiumShineRed {
  0% {
    background-position: 200% 50%;
  }
  30% {
    background-position: -200% 50%;
  }
  100% {
    background-position: -200% 50%;
  }
}

/* Custom highlight under headers to structure design */
.hero__title::after {
  content: '';
  display: block;
  width: 80px;
  height: 4px;
  background: var(--red);
  margin-top: 1.5rem;
}

.hero__sub {
  font-size: clamp(0.95rem, 1.4vw, 1.15rem);
  color: var(--text-dim);
  line-height: 1.65;
  max-width: 44ch;
}

/* ======================== CANDIDATE PORTAL (FORM) ======================== */
.hero-form-side {
  display: flex;
  justify-content: flex-end;
}

.hero-form-card {
  width: 100%;
  max-width: 480px;
  background: linear-gradient(145deg, rgba(22, 2, 5, 0.95) 0%, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.98) 100%);
  border: 1px solid var(--border-light);
  border-radius: 16px;
  padding: clamp(1.75rem, 4vw, 2.75rem);
  position: relative;
  box-shadow:
    0 30px 80px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8),
    inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.05);
}


/* Glowing top border indicator */
.hero-form-card::before {
  content: '';
  position: absolute;
  top: 0; left: 0; right: 0;
  height: 3px;
  background: linear-gradient(90deg, transparent, var(--red), transparent);
}

.form-card-title {
  font-size: 1.35rem;
  font-weight: 800;
  color: var(--white);
  text-align: center;
  margin-bottom: 2rem;
  letter-spacing: -0.01em;
}

.form-group {
  margin-bottom: 1.35rem;
  position: relative;
}

/* Minimalist Underline Inputs */
.hero-form input {
  width: 100%;
  padding: 0.85rem 0.5rem;
  font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif;
  font-size: 0.92rem;
  color: var(--white);
  background: transparent;
  border: none;
  border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.2);
  outline: none;
  transition: border-color var(--dur) var(--ease), padding var(--dur) var(--ease);
}

.hero-form input::placeholder {
  color: var(--text-ghost);
}

.hero-form input:focus {
  border-bottom-color: var(--red);
  padding-left: 0.75rem;
}

/* Validation state for the lead forms */
.hero-form input.is-invalid {
  border-bottom-color: var(--red);
  border-bottom-width: 2px;
}

.form-submit-error {
  margin-top: 0.85rem;
  padding: 0.7rem 0.85rem;
  border: 1px solid rgba(227, 11, 28, 0.4);
  border-radius: 8px;
  background: rgba(227, 11, 28, 0.08);
  font-size: 0.78rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  line-height: 1.4;
  color: var(--red-light);
  text-align: center;
  animation: fadeIn 0.25s ease both;
}

.form-error {
  display: block;
  margin-top: 0.4rem;
  padding-left: 0.5rem;
  font-size: 0.74rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  line-height: 1.35;
  color: var(--red-light);
  animation: fadeIn 0.25s ease both;
}

/* Browser autofill overrides to preserve transparent background and white text */
.hero-form input:-webkit-autofill,
.hero-form input:-webkit-autofill:hover, 
.hero-form input:-webkit-autofill:focus, 
.hero-form input:-webkit-autofill:active {
  -webkit-background-clip: text;
  -webkit-text-fill-color: var(--white) !important;
  transition: background-color 5000s ease-in-out 0s;
}

/* ======================== SCROLL INDICATOR ======================== */
.hero__scroll {
  position: absolute;
  bottom: clamp(1.2rem, 4vh, 2.5rem);
  left: 0;
  right: 0;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  gap: 0.35rem;
  opacity: 0.45;
  transition: opacity 0.3s ease;
  cursor: pointer;
  z-index: 20;
}
.hero__scroll:hover {
  opacity: 0.85;
}

.scroll-txt {
  font-size: 0.58rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: 0.25em;
  color: var(--white);
}

.scroll-arrow {
  font-size: 0.95rem;
  color: var(--red);
  animation: bounce 2s ease-in-out infinite;
}

@keyframes bounce {
  0%, 100% { transform: translateY(0); }
  50%       { transform: translateY(6px); }
}

/* ======================== HERO GALLERY TRACK (INFINITE RIBBON) ======================== */
.hero-gallery-track {
  width: 100%;
  overflow: hidden;
  margin-top: 3rem;
  margin-bottom: 5.5rem;
  position: relative;
  z-index: 1;
  padding: 2rem 0;
  background: linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.02) 0%, rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.05) 50%, rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.01) 100%);
  backdrop-filter: blur(16px);
  -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(16px);
  border-top: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.15);
  border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.05);
  box-shadow: 
    0 15px 35px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5),
    inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.1),
    inset 0 -2px 10px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5);
}

.gallery-ribbon {
  display: flex;
  gap: 1.5rem;
  width: max-content;
  animation: scroll-ribbon 30s linear infinite;
}


.gallery-item-img {
  height: clamp(280px, 45vh, 480px); /* Taller for vertical photos */
  width: auto;
  aspect-ratio: 2 / 3; /* Reserves width space before loading to prevent layout shifts */
  object-fit: cover;
  border-radius: 12px;
  border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.1);
  box-shadow: 0 10px 20px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.4);
  transition: transform 0.4s var(--ease), border-color 0.4s var(--ease), box-shadow 0.4s var(--ease);
  cursor: pointer;
  background-color: var(--black);
  transform: translateZ(0); /* Hardware acceleration */
  backface-visibility: hidden;
}

.gallery-item-img:hover {
  transform: translateY(-4px) scale(1.02) translateZ(0);
  border-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.3);
  box-shadow: 0 15px 30px rgba(227, 11, 28, 0.25);
}


@keyframes scroll-ribbon {
  0% { transform: translate3d(0, 0, 0); }
  100% { transform: translate3d(calc(-50% - 0.75rem), 0, 0); }
}


/* ======================== DETAILS SECTION (THE SPLIT) ======================== */
.details {
  border-top: 1px solid var(--border-light);
  background:
    radial-gradient(circle 800px at 0% 50%, var(--red-shadow) 0%, transparent 80%),
    linear-gradient(180deg, var(--bg-dark) 0%, var(--black) 100%);
}

.details-inner {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
  align-items: stretch;
}

.manifesto {
  padding: clamp(4rem, 8vh, 7rem) clamp(2rem, 5vw, 4rem) clamp(4rem, 8vh, 7rem) 0;
  border-right: 1px solid var(--border-light);
}

.dashboard {
  padding: clamp(4rem, 8vh, 7rem) 0 clamp(4rem, 8vh, 7rem) clamp(2rem, 5vw, 4rem);
}

.manifesto__label,
.dashboard__label {
  font-size: 0.68rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: 0.25em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--red);
  margin-bottom: 2.5rem;
}

/* Manifesto lists as editorial statements */
.manifesto__list {
  list-style: none;
}

.manifesto__list li {
  padding: 1.5rem 0;
  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--border-light);
  font-family: var(--font-display);
  font-size: clamp(1.25rem, 2.4vw, 1.85rem);
  font-weight: 800;
  color: var(--white);
  line-height: 1.2;
  letter-spacing: -0.02em;
  display: flex;
  align-items: baseline;
  gap: 1rem;
}

.manifesto__list li::before {
  content: '//';
  color: var(--red);
  font-size: 0.85em;
  font-weight: 900;
}

.manifesto__list li:first-child {
  border-top: 1px solid var(--border-light);
}

/* Big highlight income block */
.stat-hero {
  margin-bottom: 3rem;
  padding-bottom: 1.75rem;
  border-bottom: 2px solid var(--red-mid);
}

.stat-hero__num {
  display: block;
  font-family: var(--font-display);
  font-size: clamp(3.2rem, 7.5vw, 5.5rem);
  font-weight: 900;
  letter-spacing: -0.04em;
  line-height: 0.85;
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--white) 0%, var(--text-dim) 100%);
  -webkit-background-clip: text;
  -webkit-text-fill-color: transparent;
  background-clip: text;
}

.stat-hero__currency {
  font-size: 0.55em;
  vertical-align: super;
  line-height: 0;
}

.stat-hero__note {
  display: block;
  margin-top: 0.75rem;
  font-size: 0.78rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--red);
  letter-spacing: 0.15em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
}

/* ======================== PIPELINE SECTION (DETAILS REDESIGN) ======================== */
.pipeline-section {
  position: relative;
  padding: clamp(5rem, 9vh, 8rem) 0;
  border-top: 1px solid var(--border-light);
  background:
    repeating-linear-gradient(45deg, transparent, transparent 100px, rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.003) 100px, rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.003) 200px),
    radial-gradient(circle 800px at 0% 50%, var(--red-shadow) 0%, transparent 80%),
    linear-gradient(180deg, var(--bg-dark) 0%, var(--black) 100%);
}

.pipeline-header {
  margin-bottom: 3.5rem;
}

.pipeline-main-heading {
  font-size: clamp(2rem, 4vw, 3rem);
  color: var(--white);
  margin-bottom: 0.5rem;
}

.pipeline-sub-heading {
  font-size: 0.95rem;
  color: var(--text-dim);
}

/* Horizontal visual diagram nodes */
.pipeline-diagram {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: space-between;
  gap: 1.5rem;
  margin-bottom: 4rem;
}

.pipeline-node {
  flex: 1;
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.04) 0%, rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.01) 100%);
  backdrop-filter: blur(12px);
  -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(12px);
  border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.1);
  border-radius: 16px;
  padding: 2rem;
  position: relative;
  box-shadow: 
    0 10px 30px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5),
    inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.15);
  transition: transform var(--dur) var(--ease), border-color var(--dur) var(--ease), box-shadow var(--dur) var(--ease);
}

.pipeline-node:hover {
  transform: translateY(-4px);
  border-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25);
  box-shadow: 
    0 15px 40px rgba(227, 11, 28, 0.15),
    inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25);
}

.node-header {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: space-between;
  margin-bottom: 1.5rem;
}

.node-num {
  font-family: var(--font-display);
  font-size: 1.25rem;
  font-weight: 800;
  color: var(--red);
}

.node-status-dot {
  width: 8px; height: 8px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  background: var(--red);
  box-shadow: 0 0 8px var(--red);
}

.node-content h3 {
  font-size: 1.15rem;
  font-weight: 800;
  color: var(--white);
  margin-bottom: 0.5rem;
}

.node-content p {
  font-size: 0.88rem;
  color: var(--text-dim);
  line-height: 1.5;
}

/* SVG Line connectors */
.pipeline-connector {
  width: clamp(30px, 6vw, 100px);
  height: 20px;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  flex-shrink: 0;
}

.connector-svg {
  width: 100%;
  overflow: visible;
}

/* Active animated line flow */
.active-line {
  stroke-dasharray: 8 4;
  animation: flow-dash 1.5s linear infinite;
}

@keyframes flow-dash {
  to { stroke-dashoffset: -12; }
}

.pipeline-divider-line {
  width: 100%;
  height: 1px;
  background: linear-gradient(90deg, transparent, var(--border-light) 20%, var(--border-light) 80%, transparent 100%);
  margin: 5rem 0;
}

/* ======================== RESULTS BOARD ======================== */
.results-scroll-track {
  width: 100%;
}
.results-sticky-viewport {
  width: 100%;
}
.results-board {
  margin-top: 4rem;
}

.results-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 0.8fr 1.2fr;
  gap: 2.5rem;
  align-items: stretch;
}

.result-card {
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.04) 0%, rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.01) 100%);
  backdrop-filter: blur(12px);
  -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(12px);
  border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.1);
  border-radius: 16px;
  padding: 2rem;
  position: relative;
  overflow: hidden;
  box-shadow: 
    0 10px 30px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5),
    inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.15);
  transition: transform var(--dur) var(--ease), border-color var(--dur) var(--ease), box-shadow var(--dur) var(--ease);
}

.result-card:hover {
  transform: translateY(-2px);
  border-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25);
  box-shadow: 
    0 15px 40px rgba(227, 11, 28, 0.1),
    inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25);
}

.result-card--primary {
  background: linear-gradient(145deg, rgba(227, 11, 28, 0.15) 0%, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 100%);
  border: 1px solid rgba(227, 11, 28, 0.4);
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  justify-content: center;
  box-shadow: 
    0 20px 50px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.6),
    inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.2),
    inset 0 0 30px rgba(227, 11, 28, 0.1);
}

.result-card__overlay {
  position: absolute;
  inset: 0;
  background: radial-gradient(circle at 100% 0%, rgba(227, 11, 28, 0.12) 0%, transparent 60%);
  pointer-events: none;
}

.result-card__tag {
  font-size: 0.72rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: 0.15em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--text-ghost);
  margin-bottom: 0.5rem;
}

.result-card__val {
  font-family: var(--font-display);
  font-size: clamp(2.4rem, 4.5vw, 3.8rem);
  font-weight: 900;
  letter-spacing: -0.04em;
  line-height: 0.95;
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--white) 30%, var(--red) 120%);
  -webkit-background-clip: text;
  -webkit-text-fill-color: transparent;
  background-clip: text;
  margin-bottom: 0.5rem;
}

.val-currency {
  font-size: 0.7em;
  vertical-align: super;
}

.result-card__desc {
  font-size: 0.92rem;
  color: var(--text-dim);
}

/* Subgrid for other cards */
.results-subgrid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
  gap: 1.5rem;
}

.result-card__num-badge {
  font-family: var(--font-display);
  font-size: 1.25rem;
  font-weight: 800;
  color: var(--red);
  margin-bottom: 1rem;
}

.result-card__title {
  font-size: 1rem;
  font-weight: 800;
  color: var(--white);
  margin-bottom: 0.35rem;
}

.result-card__text {
  font-size: 0.85rem;
  color: var(--text-dim);
  line-height: 1.5;
}

/* Role photo placeholder inside career card body */
.step-photo-placeholder {
  width: 100%;
  height: 180px;
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(22, 2, 5, 0.4) 0%, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.95) 100%);
  border: 1px dashed rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.15);
  border-radius: 8px;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  margin-bottom: 1.25rem;
  position: relative;
  overflow: hidden;
  transition: border-color var(--dur) var(--ease), box-shadow var(--dur) var(--ease);
  cursor: help;
}

.step-photo-placeholder span {
  font-size: 0.72rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: 0.08em;
  color: var(--text-ghost);
  text-align: center;
  padding: 0 1rem;
}

.step-photo-placeholder:hover {
  border-color: var(--red);
  box-shadow: 0 0 15px rgba(227, 11, 28, 0.12);
}

/* Tooltip on photo placeholder */
.step-photo-placeholder::after {
  content: attr(data-tip);
  position: absolute;
  bottom: 10px;
  left: 10px;
  right: 10px;
  background: rgba(22, 2, 5, 0.96);
  border: 1px solid var(--border-light);
  color: var(--text-dim);
  padding: 0.5rem 0.75rem;
  border-radius: 4px;
  font-size: 0.7rem;
  line-height: 1.35;
  text-align: center;
  opacity: 0;
  transform: translateY(5px);
  pointer-events: none;
  transition: opacity var(--dur) var(--ease), transform var(--dur) var(--ease);
  box-shadow: 0 5px 15px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5);
  z-index: 10;
}

.step-photo-placeholder:hover::after {
  opacity: 1;
  transform: translateY(0);
}


/* ======================== CAREER SECTION ======================== */
.career-section {
  position: relative;
  overflow: hidden;
  border-top: 1px solid var(--border-light);
  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--border-light);
  background:
    repeating-linear-gradient(-60deg, transparent, transparent 140px, rgba(227, 11, 28, 0.015) 140px, rgba(227, 11, 28, 0.015) 142px),
    radial-gradient(circle 800px at 100% 100%, var(--red-shadow) 0%, transparent 80%),
    linear-gradient(180deg, var(--black) 0%, var(--bg-dark) 100%);
  padding: clamp(5rem, 9vh, 8rem) 0;
}

.career-header {
  margin-bottom: 4rem;
}

.career-main-heading {
  font-size: clamp(2rem, 4vw, 3rem);
  color: var(--white);
  margin-bottom: 0.5rem;
}

.career-sub-heading {
  font-size: 0.95rem;
  color: var(--text-dim);
}

/* ======================== 2-COLUMN CAREER SECTION ======================== */
.career-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1.2fr 1fr;
  gap: 4rem;
  align-items: start;
}

.career-display {
  position: relative;
  min-height: 330px;
  background: 
    linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.03) 0%, rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.01) 100%);
  backdrop-filter: blur(16px);
  -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(16px);
  border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.08);
  border-top: 1px solid rgba(227, 11, 28, 0.3);
  border-radius: 20px;
  padding: 2rem 2.5rem;
  box-shadow: 0 10px 40px rgba(0,0,0,0.5);
  overflow: hidden;
  transition: min-height 0.4s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);
}

.career-display:has(#detail-2.active) {
  min-height: 540px;
}

.detail-content {
  position: absolute;
  top: 2rem; left: 2.5rem; right: 2.5rem; bottom: 2rem;
  opacity: 0;
  pointer-events: none;
  transform: translateY(15px);
  transition: all 0.5s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
}

.detail-content.active {
  opacity: 1;
  pointer-events: auto;
  transform: translateY(0);
}

.detail-content .role-header {
  display: flex;
  justify-content: space-between;
  align-items: flex-start;
  margin-bottom: 1.25rem;
  border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.05);
  padding-bottom: 1rem;
}

.detail-content .role-salary {
  font-family: var(--font-display);
  font-weight: 800;
  color: var(--white);
  font-size: 1.1rem;
  text-align: right;
  opacity: 0.9;
}

.detail-content p {
  font-size: 1.1rem;
  line-height: 1.6;
  color: var(--text-ghost);
}

.detail-content strong {
  color: var(--white);
  font-weight: 700;
}

/* Growth ladder shown for the levels the brief describes only by salary */
.growth-scale {
  position: relative;
  margin-top: 1.75rem;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  gap: 1.15rem;
}

/* vertical rail connecting the steps */
.growth-scale::before {
  content: '';
  position: absolute;
  left: 5px;
  top: 8px;
  bottom: 8px;
  width: 2px;
  background: linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.06) 0%, rgba(227, 11, 28, 0.35) 100%);
}

.growth-scale__step {
  position: relative;
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: auto 1fr auto;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 0 0.9rem;
}

.growth-scale__dot {
  position: relative;
  z-index: 1;
  width: 12px;
  height: 12px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  background: var(--black);
  border: 2px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.2);
  transition: all var(--dur) var(--ease);
}

.growth-scale__name {
  font-family: var(--font-display);
  font-size: 0.82rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: 0.04em;
  color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.4);
  transition: color var(--dur) var(--ease);
}

.growth-scale__val {
  font-family: var(--font-display);
  font-size: 0.9rem;
  font-weight: 800;
  color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.35);
  white-space: nowrap;
  transition: color var(--dur) var(--ease);
}

/* levels already behind you */
.growth-scale__step--passed .growth-scale__dot {
  background: rgba(227, 11, 28, 0.45);
  border-color: rgba(227, 11, 28, 0.5);
}

.growth-scale__step--passed .growth-scale__name,
.growth-scale__step--passed .growth-scale__val {
  color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.55);
}

/* the level currently selected in the ladder */
.growth-scale__step--current .growth-scale__dot {
  background: var(--red);
  border-color: var(--red);
  box-shadow: 0 0 0 5px rgba(227, 11, 28, 0.18);
}

.growth-scale__step--current .growth-scale__name {
  color: var(--white);
}

.growth-scale__step--current .growth-scale__val {
  font-size: 1.35rem;
  color: var(--red-light);
}

@media (max-width: 600px) {
  .growth-scale {
    gap: 0.95rem;
  }

  .growth-scale__name {
    font-size: 0.75rem;
  }

  .growth-scale__val {
    font-size: 0.8rem;
  }

  .growth-scale__step--current .growth-scale__val {
    font-size: 1.1rem;
  }
}

.career-growth {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
}

.growth-title {
  font-size: 1rem;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.1em;
  color: var(--white);
  margin-bottom: 2rem;
  font-weight: 800;
}

.career-stairs-mini {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  gap: 1rem;
}

.stair-mini {
  background: 
    linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.08) 0%, rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.02) 100%),
    repeating-linear-gradient(45deg, transparent, transparent 10px, rgba(255,255,255,0.005) 10px, rgba(255,255,255,0.005) 20px);
  backdrop-filter: blur(20px);
  -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(20px);
  border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.1);
  border-radius: 14px;
  padding: 1.5rem 2rem;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 1.5rem;
  transition: all 0.4s var(--ease);
  position: relative;
  overflow: hidden;
  box-shadow: 
    0 10px 30px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.4), 
    inset 0 1px 1px rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.08); /* top reflection edge */
  cursor: pointer;
}

.stair-mini::before {
  content: '';
  position: absolute;
  top: 0; bottom: 0; left: 0; width: 4px;
  background: var(--red);
  opacity: 0;
  transition: opacity 0.4s var(--ease);
}

.stair-mini:nth-child(1) { width: 60%; }
.stair-mini:nth-child(2) { width: 70%; }
.stair-mini:nth-child(3) { width: 85%; }
.stair-mini:nth-child(4) { width: 100%; }

.stair-mini:hover, .stair-mini.active {
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(227, 11, 28, 0.18) 0%, rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.04) 100%);
  border-color: rgba(227, 11, 28, 0.6);
  transform: translateX(-10px) translateY(-3px); /* 3D lift up-left */
  box-shadow: 
    0 20px 45px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.6), 
    0 0 25px rgba(227, 11, 28, 0.25), /* outer red glow */
    inset 0 1px 1px rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.2); /* brighter top reflection */
}

.stair-mini:hover::before, .stair-mini.active::before {
  opacity: 1;
}

.stair-mini-num {
  font-family: var(--font-display);
  font-size: 2rem;
  font-weight: 900;
  color: var(--red);
  opacity: 0.8;
  transition: all 0.4s var(--ease);
  text-shadow: 0 2px 4px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.4);
}

.stair-mini:hover .stair-mini-num, .stair-mini.active .stair-mini-num {
  opacity: 1;
  text-shadow: 0 0 10px rgba(227, 11, 28, 0.5), 0 2px 4px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.4);
}

.stair-mini-content {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
}

.stair-mini-title {
  font-size: 1.1rem;
  font-weight: 800;
  color: var(--white);
  text-transform: uppercase;
  margin-bottom: 0.2rem;
  text-shadow: 0 1px 3px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5);
}

.stair-mini-meta {
  font-size: 0.85rem;
  color: var(--text-ghost);
  font-family: var(--font-display);
}

/* Accordion styling for stair-mini (desktop defaults) */
.stair-mini-header {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 1.5rem;
  width: 100%;
}

.stair-mini-indicator {
  display: none;
}

.stair-mini-dropdown {
  display: none;
}

.stair-badge {
  display: inline-block;
  font-size: 0.75rem;
  font-weight: 800;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--red);
  letter-spacing: 0.05em;
  background: rgba(227, 11, 28, 0.1);
  padding: 0.4rem 0.8rem;
  border-radius: 4px;
}


.stories-stacking-section {
  background: linear-gradient(180deg, var(--bg-dark) 0%, var(--black) 100%);
  padding: clamp(5rem, 9vh, 8rem) 0 0 0;
  position: relative;
  border-top: 1px solid var(--border-light);
}

.section-eyebrow {
  display: block;
  font-size: 0.8rem;
  font-weight: 800;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--red);
  letter-spacing: 0.12em;
  margin-bottom: 0.75rem;
}

.stories-header.sticky-header {
  text-align: left;
  margin-bottom: 5vh;
  max-width: 550px; /* Restrict width for better readability */
}

.stories-main-heading {
  font-size: clamp(2rem, 4vw, 3rem);
  color: var(--white);
  margin-bottom: 0.5rem;
  line-height: 1.15;
}

.stories-sub-heading {
  font-size: 0.95rem;
  color: var(--text-dim);
  margin-top: 0.5rem;
}

.stories-sticky-wrapper {
  position: relative;
}

.stacking-cards-wrapper {
  margin-top: 2rem;
}

/* Scroll distance that lets card 5 rest at the top before the cases section arrives.
   Padding on the wrapper cannot do this: position:sticky is bounded by the parent's
   content box, so the runway must be an element that takes up real space. */
.stacking-cards-spacer {
  height: 8vh;
}

/* Team photo moved below the video cases section */
.team-photo-section {
  padding: 4rem 0 0;
}

.team-photo-section .stories-cta-image-container {
  margin-bottom: 0;
}

.sticky-card {
  position: sticky;
  /* Pinned at 120px (just below the navigation bar) since the header is static and scrolls away.
     ponytail: using px instead of vh prevents gap fluctuation on varying viewport heights. */
  top: calc(120px + var(--card-index) * 10px);
  /* margin-bottom creates scroll distance so this card stays sticky while the next slides in */
  margin-bottom: 40vh;
  z-index: calc(var(--card-index));
}

/* the last card needs no trailing scroll distance — nothing slides in after it */
.sticky-card--last {
  margin-bottom: 0;
}


.sticky-card__inner {
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(45, 20, 25, 0.85) 0%, rgba(15, 0, 5, 0.95) 100%); /* Brighter, more visible glass */
  border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.3); /* Stronger border for less dimness */
  border-top: 1px solid rgba(227, 11, 28, 0.7);
  border-radius: 24px;
  backdrop-filter: blur(24px);
  -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(24px);
  padding: 3rem;
  display: flex;
  gap: 3rem;
  box-shadow: 0 20px 50px rgba(0,0,0,0.8), inset 0 2px 20px rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.15); /* Richer shadows */
  transform-origin: top center;
  position: relative;
  overflow: visible;
}

/* Cinematic flare on the top edge of cards */
.sticky-card__inner::before {
  content: '';
  position: absolute;
  top: 0; left: 0; right: 0;
  height: 1px;
  background: linear-gradient(90deg, transparent, var(--red-light), transparent);
  opacity: 0.5;
}

.sticky-card__visual {
  flex-shrink: 0;
  width: 250px;
  height: 350px;
  border-radius: 16px;
  border: 1px solid rgba(227, 11, 28, 0.25); /* Thin crimson border to blend with card neon theme */
  box-shadow: 0 10px 30px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5);
  overflow: visible; /* ponytail: allow the head to pop out at the top */
  position: relative;
  /* ponytail: radial gradient spotlight behind transparent/dark cutout photos */
  background: radial-gradient(circle at center, rgba(120, 20, 25, 0.55) 0%, rgba(10, 0, 5, 0.95) 100%);
  z-index: 5;
}

.sticky-card__visual .story-avatar-placeholder {
  width: 100%;
  height: 100%;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  font-size: 0.8rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--text-ghost);
  text-align: center;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.05em;
}

.story-avatar {
  position: absolute;
  bottom: 0;
  left: 50%;
  transform: translateX(-50%);
  width: 100%;
  height: 120%; /* Makes image taller than the frame container so it overflows the top edge */
  object-fit: contain; /* Prevents cropping and keeps original proportions */
  object-position: bottom center; /* Aligns cutouts beautifully at the bottom of the card */
  display: block;
  /* ponytail: transition both transform and filter for a smooth neon glow response on hover */
  transition: transform 0.4s var(--ease), filter 0.4s var(--ease);
  /* Apply a beautiful white-crimson neon contour outline glow around the person's transparent cutout body */
  filter: drop-shadow(0 0 5px rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.4)) drop-shadow(0 0 15px rgba(227, 11, 28, 0.25));
  z-index: 10;
}

.sticky-card:hover .story-avatar {
  transform: translateX(-50%) scale(1); /* Keep scale completely static to preserve the 3D crop illusion */
  /* Intensify outline glow on hover */
  filter: drop-shadow(0 0 8px rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.55)) drop-shadow(0 0 20px rgba(227, 11, 28, 0.4));
}

.sticky-card__content {
  flex-grow: 1;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  justify-content: center;
}

.card-exp {
  font-size: 0.8rem;
  font-weight: 800;
  color: var(--red);
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.1em;
  display: block;
  margin-bottom: 0.5rem;
}

.card-name {
  font-family: var(--font-display);
  font-size: clamp(2rem, 3.5vw, 3rem);
  font-weight: 900;
  color: var(--white);
  margin-bottom: 0.25rem;
}

.card-role {
  font-size: 1.1rem;
  color: var(--text-dim);
  display: block;
  margin-bottom: 2rem;
}

.card-path {
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.05) 0%, rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.01) 100%);
  border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.08);
  border-top: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.2); /* Top glossy reflection */
  padding: 1rem 1.5rem;
  border-radius: 12px;
  color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.85); /* High-quality readable text */
  text-shadow: 0 1px 2px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5);
  font-size: 0.9rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  margin-bottom: 2rem;
  letter-spacing: 0.02em;
  box-shadow: 
    0 8px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.4), 
    inset 0 1px 1px rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.1); /* Volumetric depth */
  backdrop-filter: blur(10px);
  -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(10px);
}

.card-text p {
  font-size: 1.05rem;
  line-height: 1.7;
  color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.75);
}



.stories-cta-image-container {
  max-width: 650px;
  margin: 0 auto 2.5rem auto;
  border-radius: 24px;
  overflow: hidden;
  border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.15);
  box-shadow: 0 20px 40px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5), 0 0 30px rgba(227, 11, 28, 0.15);
  transition: transform 0.5s cubic-bezier(0.25, 1, 0.5, 1), box-shadow 0.5s ease;
}

/* inline variant: sits inside the stacking wrapper, small top margin only */
.stories-cta-image-container--inline {
  margin-top: 2rem;
  margin-bottom: 0;
}

.stories-cta-image-container:hover {
  transform: scale(1.02);
  box-shadow: 0 25px 50px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.6), 0 0 45px rgba(227, 11, 28, 0.3);
}

.stories-cta-image {
  display: block;
  width: 100%;
  height: auto;
  aspect-ratio: 1.5; /* Reserves 3:2 height space before loading to prevent layout shifts */
  object-fit: cover;
}

/* Bring team photo and final CTA on top of sticky cards during scroll on desktop */
.stories-cta-image-container {
  position: relative;
  z-index: 20; /* higher than cards (z-index 1-5) */
}

.stories-cta-block {
  position: relative;
  z-index: 20;
  margin: 6rem auto 0 auto;
  max-width: 900px;
  width: calc(100% - 3rem);
  padding: 5rem 3rem;
  /* ponytail: glassmorphic CTA panel with deep brand gradient, subtle neon border and inner glow */
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(30, 8, 12, 0.85) 0%, rgba(10, 0, 3, 0.95) 100%);
  border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.12);
  border-top: 1px solid rgba(227, 11, 28, 0.5);
  border-radius: 24px;
  backdrop-filter: blur(25px);
  -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(25px);
  box-shadow: 0 25px 60px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85), inset 0 1px 15px rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.05);
  text-align: center;
}

.stories-cta-image-container--desktop-only {
  display: block;
}
.stories-cta-image-container--mobile-only {
  display: none;
}

.stories-cta-text {
  font-family: var(--font-display);
  font-size: clamp(1.2rem, 3.2vw, 1.8rem);
  font-weight: 800;
  color: var(--white);
  margin-bottom: 2rem;
  line-height: 1.35;
  letter-spacing: -0.01em;
}

.stories-cta-btn {
  min-width: 220px;
}


/* ======================== FINAL CTA SECTION ======================== */
.final-cta-section {
  position: relative;
  border-top: 1px solid var(--border-light);
  background: linear-gradient(180deg, var(--bg-dark) 0%, var(--black) 100%);
  padding: clamp(3rem, 6vh, 4rem) 0 clamp(4rem, 8vh, 6rem) 0;
}

.final-cta-section .stories-cta-block {
  margin-top: 0;
}

/* ======================== VIDEO CASES SECTION ======================== */
.cases-section {
  position: relative;
  overflow: hidden;
  border-top: 1px solid var(--border-light);
  background:
    radial-gradient(circle 800px at 100% 0%, var(--red-shadow) 0%, transparent 80%),
    linear-gradient(180deg, var(--black) 0%, var(--bg-dark) 100%);
  padding: clamp(5rem, 9vh, 8rem) 0;
}

.cases-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr);
  gap: 2rem;
}

.case-card {
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.04) 0%, rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.01) 100%);
  border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.1);
  border-top: 1px solid rgba(227, 11, 28, 0.3);
  border-radius: 20px;
  padding: 0.75rem;
  box-shadow:
    0 10px 40px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5),
    inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.1);
  transition: transform var(--dur) var(--ease), border-color var(--dur) var(--ease), box-shadow var(--dur) var(--ease);
}

.case-card:hover {
  transform: translateY(-4px);
  border-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25);
  box-shadow:
    0 15px 40px rgba(227, 11, 28, 0.15),
    inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.15);
}

.case-card__frame {
  position: relative;
  width: 100%;
  aspect-ratio: 9 / 16;
  border-radius: 14px;
  overflow: hidden;
  background: var(--black);
}

.case-card__frame iframe {
  position: absolute;
  inset: 0;
  width: 100%;
  height: 100%;
  border: 0;
  display: block;
}

/* ======================== RESPONSIVE BREAKPOINTS ======================== */
@media (max-width: 1024px) {
  /* Compact Hero section to fit 100svh on mobile */
  .hero {
    padding-top: calc(var(--nav-h) + 1rem);
    padding-bottom: 2rem;
    min-height: 100svh;
    display: flex;
    flex-direction: column;
    justify-content: space-between;
  }

  /* Stack Hero on tablet/mobile and horizontal scroll fix */
  .hero-grid-wrapper {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr;
    gap: 2rem;
    width: 100%;
  }

  .hero__inner {
    padding: 1.5rem 1.25rem;
    margin-top: 0.5rem;
    margin-bottom: 0.5rem;
    border-radius: 24px;
  }

  .hero__title {
    font-size: 2.2rem;
    margin-bottom: 1rem;
  }

  /* Make header pills more compact and subtle */
  .hero__eyebrow {
    margin-bottom: 1rem;
    gap: 0.4rem;
  }

  .pill {
    padding: 0.3rem 0.75rem;
    font-size: 0.62rem;
    letter-spacing: 0.05em;
  }

  .hero-form-side {
    justify-content: center;
    width: 100%;
  }

  .hero-form-card {
    max-width: 100%;
    padding: 1.75rem;
  }

  /* Compact Gallery track on mobile */
  .hero-gallery-track {
    margin-top: 1rem;
    margin-bottom: 3.5rem;
    padding: 1rem 0;
  }

  .gallery-ribbon {
    animation: scroll-ribbon 20s linear infinite;
  }

  .gallery-item-img {
    height: 180px;
  }

  .pipeline-diagram {
    flex-direction: column;
    gap: 1.5rem;
    align-items: stretch; /* Forces all cards to stretch to the exact same width */
  }

  /* Beautiful vertical arrows of same size with flow animations - Compact */
  .pipeline-connector {
    width: 20px;
    height: 38px;
    margin: 0.2rem auto;
    display: flex;
    justify-content: center;
    align-items: center;
    align-self: center;
    transform: none;
  }

  .pipeline-connector .connector-svg {
    width: 38px;
    height: 20px;
    transform: rotate(90deg);
    transform-origin: center;
  }

  /* Compact uniform height for process blocks */
  .pipeline-node {
    min-height: 105px;
    padding: 1rem 1.25rem !important;
    display: flex;
    flex-direction: column;
    justify-content: flex-start;
  }

  .node-header {
    margin-bottom: 0.5rem !important;
  }

  .results-grid {
    display: grid !important;
    grid-template-columns: 1fr !important;
    gap: 1.5rem !important;
    width: 100% !important;
    margin: 0 !important;
    padding: 0 !important;
  }

  .results-subgrid {
    display: grid !important;
    grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr !important; /* 2x2 grid for smaller cards */
    gap: 1rem !important;
    width: 100% !important;
  }

  .result-card {
    position: static !important;
    width: 100% !important;
    background: linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.04) 0%, rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.01) 100%) !important;
    border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.1) !important;
    box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.4) !important;
    padding: 1.5rem 1.15rem !important;
    border-radius: 14px !important;
    display: flex !important;
    flex-direction: column !important;
    align-items: center !important;
    text-align: center !important;
  }

  .result-card--primary {
    background: linear-gradient(145deg, rgba(227, 11, 28, 0.15) 0%, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 100%) !important;
    border: 1px solid rgba(227, 11, 28, 0.4) !important;
    align-items: flex-start !important;
    text-align: left !important;
    padding: 2rem !important;
  }

  .result-card__num-badge {
    font-size: 1.5rem !important;
    margin-bottom: 0.5rem !important;
    height: auto !important;
    display: flex !important;
    justify-content: center !important;
    align-items: center !important;
  }

  .result-card__title {
    font-size: 0.95rem !important;
    margin-bottom: 0.4rem !important;
  }

  .result-card__text {
    font-size: 0.72rem !important;
    line-height: 1.45 !important;
  }

  /* Mobile styling for 2-column Career Section */
  .career-grid {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr;
    gap: 3rem;
  }
  .career-growth {
    order: 1;
  }
  .career-display {
    display: none !important; /* Hide sidebar details on mobile */
  }
  
  .growth-title {
    text-align: left;
    margin-bottom: 1.5rem;
  }
  
  .career-stairs-mini {
    align-items: stretch;
    gap: 1rem !important;
  }
  
  .stair-mini {
    width: 100% !important;
    display: flex !important;
    flex-direction: column !important;
    align-items: stretch !important;
    gap: 0 !important;
    padding: 1.25rem 1.5rem !important;
  }
  
  .stair-mini:hover, .stair-mini.active {
    transform: none !important;
  }

  .stair-mini-header {
    display: flex !important;
    align-items: center !important;
    width: 100% !important;
    cursor: pointer !important;
  }

  .stair-mini-indicator {
    display: block !important;
    font-size: 1.5rem !important;
    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.4) !important;
    transition: transform 0.3s cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1), color 0.3s ease !important;
    margin-left: auto !important;
    font-weight: 300 !important;
    line-height: 1 !important;
  }

  .stair-mini.active .stair-mini-indicator {
    transform: rotate(45deg) !important; /* Turns + into x */
    color: var(--red) !important;
  }

  .stair-mini-dropdown {
    display: block !important;
    max-height: 0;
    overflow: hidden;
    transition: max-height 0.35s cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1), opacity 0.3s ease, margin-top 0.35s ease;
    opacity: 0;
    margin-top: 0;
    padding-left: calc(2rem + 1.5rem);
    text-align: left !important;
  }

  .stair-mini.active .stair-mini-dropdown {
    max-height: 300px;
    opacity: 1;
    margin-top: 1rem;
    border-top: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.08);
    padding-top: 1rem;
  }

  .stair-mini-dropdown p {
    font-size: 0.85rem !important;
    line-height: 1.55 !important;
    color: var(--text-dim) !important;
  }

  .stair-mini-dropdown strong {
    color: var(--white) !important;
  }

  .panel-header-row {
    flex-direction: column;
    align-items: flex-start;
    gap: 1rem;
  }

  /* Success stories sticky mobile styling */
  .sticky-card {
    top: calc(80px + var(--card-index) * 8px);
    margin-bottom: 25vh;
  }

  .sticky-card--last {
    position: sticky !important;
    top: calc(80px + var(--card-index) * 8px) !important;
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    z-index: 5 !important;
  }

  .sticky-card__inner {
    flex-direction: column;
    padding: 2rem 1.75rem;
    gap: 1.5rem;
    border-radius: 20px;
    height: 610px !important; /* Unified tall height to match Inna's original card size */
    display: flex !important;
    justify-content: flex-start;
  }

  /* Portrait format for mobile avatars to prevent cutting of faces/shoulders */
  .sticky-card__visual {
    width: 220px;
    height: 280px;
    margin: 0 auto;
    border-radius: 16px;
    flex-shrink: 0;
  }

  .sticky-card__content {
    display: flex !important;
    flex-direction: column !important;
    align-items: center !important;
    text-align: center !important;
    flex-grow: 1 !important;
    width: 100% !important;
  }

  .sticky-card__content .btn-more {
    margin-top: auto !important; /* Align details button perfectly at the bottom */
  }

  .sticky-card__content .card-text p {
    text-align: center !important;
  }

  .card-name {
    font-size: 1.9rem;
    margin-bottom: 0.25rem;
  }

  .card-path {
    padding: 0.85rem 1.25rem;
    font-size: 0.78rem;
    margin-bottom: 1.25rem;
  }

  /* Bring team photo and final CTA on top of sticky cards during scroll */
  .stories-cta-image-container {
    position: relative;
    z-index: 20; /* higher than cards (z-index 1-5) */
    background-color: #080203; /* matches background to hide cards behind */
    padding-top: 1.5rem;
    padding-bottom: 1.5rem;
  }

  .stories-cta-block {
    position: relative;
    z-index: 20;
    margin: 4rem auto 0 auto;
    padding: 3rem 1.5rem;
    width: calc(100% - 2rem);
    border-radius: 20px;
  }

  .final-cta-section .stories-cta-block {
    margin-top: 0;
  }

  .stories-cta-image-container--desktop-only {
    display: none !important;
  }

  .stories-cta-image-container--mobile-only {
    display: block !important;
    margin-top: 2rem !important; /* Spacing for mobile photo since it sits outside wrapper */
  }

  .stacking-cards-wrapper {
    padding-bottom: 0 !important;
  }

  .stacking-cards-spacer {
    height: 10vh;
  }

  .cases-grid {
    grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr) !important;
    gap: 1.25rem !important;
  }
}

/* Highly optimized screen-height layout for mobile phones to prevent overflow cuts */
@media (max-width: 480px) {
  /* Balanced compression for first scroll on phones */
  .hero {
    padding-top: calc(var(--nav-h) + 0.5rem) !important;
    padding-bottom: 2.25rem !important;
  }

  .hero__inner {
    padding: 1rem 0.85rem !important; /* Slightly wider inner area */
    margin-top: 0.25rem !important;
    margin-bottom: 0.25rem !important;
    border-radius: 16px !important;
  }

  .hero__title {
    font-size: 1.65rem !important;
    line-height: 1.25 !important;
    margin-bottom: 0.5rem !important;
  }

  .hero__title::after {
    margin-top: 0.75rem !important;
  }

  .hero__sub {
    font-size: 0.85rem !important;
    line-height: 1.4 !important;
  }

  .hero-form-card {
    padding: 1.5rem 1.15rem !important; /* Widen inputs (less horizontal padding, more vertical) */
    border-radius: 12px !important;
  }

  .form-card-title {
    font-size: 1.15rem !important;
    margin-bottom: 1rem !important;
  }

  .hero-form .form-group {
    margin-bottom: 0.75rem !important;
  }

  .hero-form input {
    padding: 0.75rem 1rem !important;
    font-size: 0.85rem !important;
    height: 46px !important; /* More breathing room for inputs */
  }

  .hero-form .btn {
    padding: 0.75rem 1.25rem !important;
    font-size: 0.8rem !important;
    height: 46px !important; /* Larger touch target for the button */
  }

  /* Optimized gallery height for phones */
  .hero-gallery-track {
    margin-top: 0.5rem !important;
    margin-bottom: 3.5rem !important;
    padding: 0.5rem 0 !important;
  }

  .gallery-ribbon {
    animation: scroll-ribbon 15s linear infinite !important;
  }

  .gallery-item-img {
    height: 160px !important; /* Bigger, more detailed photos */
    border-radius: 8px !important;
  }

  .hero__scroll {
    bottom: 0.5rem !important;
  }

  .sticky-card {
    top: calc(75px + var(--card-index) * 6px) !important;
    margin-bottom: 20vh !important;
  }

  .sticky-card--last {
    position: sticky !important;
    top: calc(75px + var(--card-index) * 6px) !important;
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    z-index: 5 !important;
  }

  .stacking-cards-wrapper {
    padding-bottom: 0 !important;
  }

  .stories-cta-image-container--mobile-only {
    margin-top: 1.5rem !important;
  }
  
  .sticky-card__inner {
    padding: 1.25rem !important;
    gap: 1rem !important;
    border-radius: 18px !important;
    height: 620px !important; /* Unified tall height to prevent button overflow on narrow phone screens */
  }
  
  .sticky-card__visual {
    width: 180px !important;
    height: 230px !important;
    margin: 0 auto !important;
    border-radius: 14px !important;
  }
  
  .card-name {
    font-size: 1.6rem !important;
    margin-bottom: 0.25rem !important;
  }
  
  .card-exp {
    font-size: 0.7rem !important;
  }
  
  .card-role {
    font-size: 0.85rem !important;
    margin-bottom: 0.75rem !important;
  }
  
  .card-path {
    padding: 0.75rem 1rem !important;
    font-size: 0.75rem !important;
    margin-bottom: 1rem !important;
    border-radius: 8px !important;
  }
  
  .card-text p {
    font-size: 0.9rem !important;
    line-height: 1.5 !important;
  }
  
  .btn-more {
    padding: 0.6rem 1.8rem !important;
    font-size: 0.75rem !important;
    margin-top: auto !important; /* Force align to the bottom */
  }

  .result-card {
    position: static !important;
    width: 100% !important;
    flex: none !important;
    margin-bottom: 0 !important;
    padding: 1.25rem 0.85rem !important; /* Highly compact padding to fit text inside 2x2 grid */
    border-radius: 12px !important;
  }

  .result-card--primary {
    padding: 1.5rem !important;
  }

  .cases-grid {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr !important;
    gap: 1rem !important;
    max-width: 320px !important;
    margin: 0 auto !important;
  }
}


@media (max-height: 700px) {
  .hero__scroll {
    display: none;
  }
}

/* ======================== REVEAL ANIMATIONS (CINEMATIC BLUR) ======================== */
.reveal {
  opacity: 0;
  transform: translateY(35px);
  filter: blur(8px);
  transition:
    opacity 1.2s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1),
    transform 1.2s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1),
    filter 1.2s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);
}

.reveal.visible {
  opacity: 1;
  transform: none;
  filter: none;
}

.reveal--d1 { transition-delay: 0.12s; }
.reveal--d2 { transition-delay: 0.24s; }
.reveal--d3 { transition-delay: 0.36s; }

@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) {
  .reveal {
    opacity: 1 !important;
    transform: none !important;
    filter: none !important;
    transition: none !important;
  }
}

/* ======================== TYPOGRAPHY METALLIC GRADIENTS ======================== */
.pipeline-main-heading,
.career-main-heading,
.collage-heading,
.ladder-heading,
.stories-main-heading {
  background: linear-gradient(117deg, #ffffff 40%, rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.55) 100%);
  -webkit-background-clip: text;
  -webkit-text-fill-color: transparent;
  background-clip: text;
  color: var(--white);
}

/* ======================== STORY MODAL ======================== */
.story-modal-overlay {
  position: fixed;
  top: 0; left: 0; right: 0; bottom: 0;
  background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.6);
  backdrop-filter: blur(12px);
  -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(12px);
  z-index: 9999;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  opacity: 0;
  pointer-events: none;
  transition: opacity 0.4s var(--ease);
  padding: 1rem;
}

.story-modal-overlay.active {
  opacity: 1;
  pointer-events: all;
}

.story-modal-content {
  width: 100%;
  max-width: 800px;
  max-height: 90vh;
  background: linear-gradient(145deg, rgba(26, 6, 10, 0.7) 0%, rgba(5, 0, 0, 0.9) 100%);
  border: 1px solid rgba(227, 11, 28, 0.3);
  box-shadow: 0 30px 80px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8), inset 0 0 30px rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.05);
  backdrop-filter: blur(40px);
  -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(40px);
  border-radius: 24px;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  position: relative;
  transform: translateY(30px) scale(0.98);
  transition: transform 0.4s var(--ease);
  overflow: hidden;
}
.story-modal-content--form {
  max-width: 420px !important;
  padding: 0 !important;
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(45, 18, 22, 0.85) 0%, rgba(10, 0, 5, 0.98) 100%) !important;
  border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.2) !important;
  border-top: 2px solid rgba(227, 11, 28, 0.8) !important;
  box-shadow: 0 30px 80px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85), inset 0 0 30px rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.05), 0 0 40px rgba(227, 11, 28, 0.15) !important;
  backdrop-filter: blur(40px) !important;
  -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(40px) !important;
  border-radius: 28px !important;
  overflow: hidden !important;
}

.modal-form-banner {
  width: 100%;
  aspect-ratio: 16 / 10;
  overflow: hidden;
  position: relative;
  border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.1);
}

.modal-form-img {
  width: 100%;
  height: 100%;
  object-fit: cover;
  display: block;
}

.lead-modal-close {
  position: absolute;
  top: 0.9rem;
  right: 0.9rem;
  z-index: 30;
  display: grid;
  place-items: center;   /* keeps the icon exactly centred at any size */
  width: 40px;
  height: 40px;
  padding: 0;
  border-radius: 50%;
  cursor: pointer;
  background: rgba(9, 8, 10, 0.55) !important;
  border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.18) !important;
  color: var(--white) !important;
  backdrop-filter: blur(10px);
  -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(10px);
  transition: background var(--dur) var(--ease), border-color var(--dur) var(--ease),
              transform var(--dur) var(--ease), box-shadow var(--dur) var(--ease);
}

.lead-modal-close:hover,
.lead-modal-close:focus-visible {
  background: var(--red) !important;
  border-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.45) !important;
  transform: scale(1.08);
  box-shadow: 0 6px 18px rgba(227, 11, 28, 0.35);
}

.lead-modal-close:active {
  transform: scale(0.96);
}

.modal-form-body {
  padding: 2rem 2.25rem 2.25rem 2.25rem;
}

.story-modal-overlay.active .story-modal-content {
  transform: translateY(0) scale(1);
}

.story-modal-header {
  padding: 2rem 2.5rem;
  border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.1);
  display: flex;
  justify-content: space-between;
  align-items: flex-start;
  flex-shrink: 0;
}

.story-modal-body {
  padding: 2rem 2.5rem;
  overflow-y: auto;
  color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.65);
  font-size: 1.02rem;
  line-height: 1.85;
}

.story-modal-body p {
  margin-bottom: 1.4rem;
}

.story-modal-body p:last-child {
  margin-bottom: 0;
}

/* Lead Paragraph (First paragraph of the article) */
.story-modal-body p:first-of-type {
  font-size: 1.14rem;
  line-height: 1.75;
  color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.95);
  font-weight: 500;
  margin-bottom: 1.6rem;
}

/* Drop Cap (Large capital letter at start of article) */
.story-modal-body p:first-of-type::first-letter {
  font-family: 'Space Grotesk', 'Montserrat', system-ui, sans-serif;
  font-size: 3.4rem;
  font-weight: 800;
  color: var(--red);
  float: left;
  line-height: 0.82;
  margin-right: 0.65rem;
  margin-top: 0.12rem;
  text-shadow: 0 0 15px rgba(227, 11, 28, 0.2);
}

/* Editorial Contrast Highlights */
.story-modal-body strong {
  color: var(--white);
  font-weight: 700;
  text-shadow: 0 0 10px rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.08);
}

.story-modal-close {
  flex-shrink: 0;
  display: grid;
  place-items: center;   /* keeps the icon exactly centred at any size */
  width: 40px;
  height: 40px;
  padding: 0;
  border-radius: 50%;
  cursor: pointer;
  background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.08);
  border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.18);
  color: var(--white);
  transition: background var(--dur) var(--ease), border-color var(--dur) var(--ease),
              transform var(--dur) var(--ease), box-shadow var(--dur) var(--ease);
}

.story-modal-close:hover,
.story-modal-close:focus-visible {
  background: var(--red);
  border-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.45);
  transform: scale(1.08);
  box-shadow: 0 6px 18px rgba(227, 11, 28, 0.35);
}

.story-modal-close:active {
  transform: scale(0.96);
}

/* Shared icon: a drawn cross centres exactly, unlike the "×" character */
.story-modal-close svg,
.lead-modal-close svg {
  display: block;
  width: 16px;
  height: 16px;
  stroke: currentColor;
  stroke-width: 2.2;
  stroke-linecap: round;
  fill: none;
}

.btn-more {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-self: flex-start;
  width: max-content;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 0.5rem;
  background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.1);
  backdrop-filter: blur(10px);
  -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(10px);
  border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.4);
  color: var(--white);
  padding: 0.8rem 2.5rem;
  border-radius: 30px;
  font-size: 0.85rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.1em;
  cursor: pointer;
  margin-top: 1.5rem;
  transition: all 0.3s ease;
  box-shadow: 0 4px 15px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.3);
}

.btn-more:hover {
  background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.2);
  border-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);
  box-shadow: 0 6px 20px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5);
  transform: translateY(-2px);
}

/* Hide scroll indicator when any modal is open to avoid background bleed through */
body.modal-active .hero__scroll {
  display: none !important;
}