/* ==========================================================================
   RevXForge — About page layout layer
   Loaded only by about.html, after styles.css. Layout, imagery, card and
   motion treatments for the About page. Uses the shared tokens from
   styles.css only — no new colors, fonts or type scales.
   ========================================================================== */

.about-page main > section { position: relative; padding-block: clamp(5rem, 10vw, 8rem); }
.about-page .copy-block { max-width: none; }

/* Shared bits */
.ab-live { position: relative; display: inline-block; width: 8px; height: 8px; border-radius: 50%; background: var(--accent); flex-shrink: 0; }
.ab-live::after {
  content: ''; position: absolute; inset: -4px; border-radius: 50%; border: 2px solid var(--accent);
  opacity: 0; animation: abPing 2s var(--ease-out) infinite;
}
@keyframes abPing { 0% { transform: scale(0.5); opacity: 0.8; } 100% { transform: scale(1.8); opacity: 0; } }
@keyframes abBob { from { transform: translateY(0); } to { transform: translateY(-8px); } }
.about-page figure { margin: 0; }
.about-page figure img { width: 100%; height: 100%; object-fit: cover; transition: transform 0.9s var(--ease-out); }
.ab-split {
  display: grid; grid-template-columns: minmax(0, 1fr) minmax(0, 1fr);
  gap: clamp(3rem, 6vw, 5.5rem); align-items: center;
}
.ab-split--reverse > :first-child { order: 2; }
.ab-split-copy .section-header { margin-bottom: 1.5rem; }
.ab-split-copy .copy-block p { font-size: 1.05rem; line-height: 1.75; }

/* ── Hero ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── */
.about-page main > section.ab-hero {
  min-height: 88vh; background: var(--text-primary);
  padding-block: calc(68px + clamp(3rem, 7vw, 5rem)) clamp(4rem, 8vw, 6rem);
}
.ab-hero .page-hero-bg { opacity: 0.55; }
.ab-hero .page-hero-scrim {
  background:
    linear-gradient(90deg, rgba(17,17,17,0.97) 0%, rgba(17,17,17,0.9) 45%, rgba(17,17,17,0.7) 100%),
    radial-gradient(ellipse 45% 60% at 0% 0%, rgba(205,62,45,0.25), transparent 70%);
}
.ab-hero-grid {
  position: absolute; inset: 0; z-index: 1; pointer-events: none;
  background-image:
    linear-gradient(rgba(255,255,255,0.045) 1px, transparent 1px),
    linear-gradient(90deg, rgba(255,255,255,0.045) 1px, transparent 1px);
  background-size: 56px 56px;
  -webkit-mask-image: radial-gradient(ellipse 60% 70% at 30% 45%, #000 10%, transparent 75%);
          mask-image: radial-gradient(ellipse 60% 70% at 30% 45%, #000 10%, transparent 75%);
}
.ab-hero-layout {
  display: grid; grid-template-columns: minmax(0, 1.25fr) minmax(0, 0.75fr);
  gap: clamp(2.5rem, 6vw, 5rem); align-items: center;
}
.ab-hero .page-hero-inner { max-width: 680px; }
.ab-hero .page-hero-kicker {
  display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 0.6rem;
  background: rgba(205,62,45,0.14); border-color: var(--accent-border);
}
.ab-hero h1 { color: #fff; letter-spacing: -0.02em; }
.ab-hero .hero-body p { color: rgba(255,255,255,0.76); }
/* Hero CTAs: same pill + arrow-chip design as the homepage hero (home.css isn't loaded here) */
.ab-hero .page-hero-actions, .ab-closing .cta-row { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: 1rem; }
.ab-hero .page-hero-actions .btn, .ab-closing .cta-row .btn {
  border-radius: 999px; padding: 0.5rem 0.5rem 0.5rem 1.35rem; min-height: 52px; gap: 0.75rem;
  font-size: 0.95rem; line-height: 1.25; text-align: left; justify-content: space-between;
}
.ab-hero .page-hero-actions .btn--primary, .ab-closing .cta-row .btn--primary {
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--accent) 0%, var(--accent-hover) 100%);
  box-shadow: 0 10px 30px rgba(205,62,45,0.4), inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255,255,255,0.22);
}
.ab-hero .page-hero-actions .btn--primary:hover, .ab-closing .cta-row .btn--primary:hover { transform: translateY(-2px); box-shadow: 0 16px 38px rgba(205,62,45,0.5), inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255,255,255,0.22); }
.ab-hero .page-hero-actions .btn--ghost, .ab-closing .cta-row .btn--ghost {
  background: rgba(17,17,17,0.6); color: #fff; border: 1.5px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.3);
  backdrop-filter: blur(10px); -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(10px);
}
.ab-hero .page-hero-actions .btn--ghost:hover, .ab-closing .cta-row .btn--ghost:hover { background: rgba(17,17,17,0.78); border-color: rgba(255,255,255,0.6); color: #fff; transform: translateY(-2px); }
.ab-cta-icon {
  display: inline-flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; flex-shrink: 0;
  width: 36px; height: 36px; border-radius: 50%;
  transition: transform 0.25s var(--ease-out), background 0.25s var(--ease-out);
}
.btn--primary .ab-cta-icon { background: #fff; color: var(--accent); }
.btn--ghost .ab-cta-icon { background: rgba(255,255,255,0.14); color: #fff; }
.btn--ghost:hover .ab-cta-icon { background: var(--accent); }
.ab-hero .page-hero-actions .btn:hover .ab-cta-icon, .ab-closing .cta-row .btn:hover .ab-cta-icon { transform: translateX(3px); }
@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) {
  .ab-hero .page-hero-actions .btn:hover, .ab-closing .cta-row .btn:hover, .ab-hero .page-hero-actions .btn:hover .ab-cta-icon, .ab-closing .cta-row .btn:hover .ab-cta-icon { transform: none; }
}

/* Arch portrait with a red halo; the four outputs stack down its left edge
   like an index, and the second photo sits as a round badge bottom-right. */
.ab-hero-collage {
  position: relative;
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: auto minmax(0, 1fr);
  align-items: center;
  padding-bottom: 1.5rem;
}
.ab-hc-main {
  grid-column: 2; grid-row: 1;
  position: relative; aspect-ratio: 4 / 5; overflow: hidden;
  border-radius: 999px 999px 24px 24px;
  border: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.14);
  box-shadow:
    0 0 0 12px rgba(205,62,45,0.08),
    0 0 0 13px rgba(205,62,45,0.4),
    0 40px 90px rgba(0,0,0,0.55);
}
/* Landscape research photo in a portrait arch: keep the monitor and reports in frame. */
.ab-hc-main img { object-position: 70% 50%; }
/* Centre the badge crop on the diagram's red marker. */
.ab-hc-sub img { object-position: 58% 52%; }
.ab-hc-main::after {
  content: ''; position: absolute; inset: 0; pointer-events: none;
  background: linear-gradient(200deg, transparent 50%, rgba(205,62,45,0.28));
}
.ab-hc-sub {
  position: absolute; right: -0.75rem; bottom: 0; z-index: 3;
  width: 36%; aspect-ratio: 1; overflow: hidden; border-radius: 50%;
  border: 4px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.92); box-shadow: 0 24px 60px rgba(0,0,0,0.5);
  animation: abBob 8s var(--ease-in-out) infinite alternate;
}
.ab-hero-collage:hover .ab-hc-main img { transform: scale(1.05); }
.ab-hc-chips {
  grid-column: 1; grid-row: 1;
  position: relative; z-index: 2;
  display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: flex-start; gap: 0.75rem;
  margin-right: -3.25rem;
  padding-left: 1.1rem;
}
/* Dashed spine linking the four chips. */
.ab-hc-chips::before {
  content: ''; position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0.9rem; bottom: 0.9rem;
  border-left: 1px dashed rgba(255,255,255,0.3);
}
.ab-hc-chip {
  position: relative; display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 0.55rem;
  padding: 0.6rem 1rem; border-radius: 99px; background: var(--brand-bg); color: var(--text-primary);
  font-size: 0.82rem; font-weight: 700; box-shadow: 0 16px 40px rgba(0,0,0,0.35);
  animation: abBob 6s var(--ease-in-out) infinite alternate;
}
.ab-hc-chip::before {
  content: ''; position: absolute; left: -1.1rem; top: 50%; width: 1.1rem;
  border-top: 1px dashed rgba(255,255,255,0.3);
}
.ab-t { display: inline-block; }
.ab-t::first-letter { text-transform: uppercase; }
.ab-hc-chip--a { animation-delay: 0.4s; }
.ab-hc-chip--b { animation-delay: 1.2s; margin-left: 1.25rem; }
.ab-hc-chip--c { animation-delay: 2s; margin-left: 1.25rem; }
.ab-hc-chip--d { animation-delay: 0.8s; }
.ab-hc-chip--b::before, .ab-hc-chip--c::before { left: -2.35rem; width: 2.35rem; }
.ab-hc-chip.is-accent { background: var(--accent); color: #fff; }
.ab-hc-chip.is-accent .ab-live { background: #fff; }
.ab-hc-chip.is-accent .ab-live::after { border-color: #fff; }

/* ── The Problem We Set Out to Fix ────────────────────────────────────── */
.about-page main > section.ab-problem { background: var(--canvas); }
.ab-options { position: relative; padding: 0 0 4rem 0; }
.ab-options-photo { aspect-ratio: 5 / 4; overflow: hidden; border-radius: 22px; box-shadow: 0 30px 70px rgba(17,17,17,0.2); }
.ab-options:hover .ab-options-photo img { transform: scale(1.04); }
.ab-option {
  position: absolute; right: -1rem; width: min(330px, 80%);
  display: grid; grid-template-columns: 36px minmax(0, 1fr); gap: 0.8rem; align-items: center;
  padding: 0.8rem 1rem; border-radius: 14px; background: var(--brand-bg); border: 1px solid var(--panel-border);
  box-shadow: 0 18px 44px rgba(17,17,17,0.16);
  opacity: 0; transform: translateX(24px); transition: opacity 0.6s var(--ease-out), transform 0.6s var(--ease-out);
}
.ab-option:nth-of-type(1) { bottom: 9.2rem; transition-delay: 0.2s; }
.ab-option:nth-of-type(2) { bottom: 4.9rem; transition-delay: 0.45s; }
.ab-option:nth-of-type(3) { bottom: 0.2rem; transition-delay: 0.7s; }
.ab-options.in .ab-option { opacity: 1; transform: none; }
.ab-option i { position: relative; width: 36px; height: 36px; border-radius: 50%; }
.ab-option--x i { background: var(--panel); border: 1px solid var(--panel-border); }
.ab-option--x i::before, .ab-option--x i::after {
  content: ''; position: absolute; left: 50%; top: 50%; width: 14px; height: 2px; border-radius: 2px; background: var(--text-muted);
  transform: translate(-50%, -50%) rotate(45deg);
}
.ab-option--x i::after { transform: translate(-50%, -50%) rotate(-45deg); }
.ab-option--ok { border-color: var(--accent); box-shadow: 0 22px 50px rgba(205,62,45,0.22); }
.ab-option--ok i { background: var(--accent); box-shadow: 0 0 0 5px rgba(205,62,45,0.18); }
.ab-option--ok i::after {
  content: ''; position: absolute; left: 13px; top: 9px; width: 8px; height: 14px;
  border-right: 2.5px solid #fff; border-bottom: 2.5px solid #fff; transform: rotate(45deg);
}
.ab-option b { display: block; font-size: 0.68rem; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: 0.1em; text-transform: uppercase; color: var(--text-muted); }
.ab-option span { display: block; font-family: var(--font-display); font-weight: 600; font-size: 1rem; color: var(--text-primary); }
.ab-option span::first-letter { text-transform: uppercase; }
.ab-option--x span { color: var(--text-secondary); text-decoration: line-through; text-decoration-color: rgba(17,17,17,0.35); }
.ab-option--ok b { color: var(--accent); }

/* ── What Independence Actually Means Here (dark band) ───────────────── */
.about-page main > section.ab-independence {
  background: var(--text-primary); overflow: hidden; isolation: isolate;
  padding-block: clamp(6rem, 12vw, 9rem);
  clip-path: polygon(0 clamp(24px, 4vw, 64px), 100% 0, 100% calc(100% - clamp(24px, 4vw, 64px)), 0 100%);
  margin-block: -1px;
}
.ab-ind-bg { position: absolute; inset: 0; z-index: -2; background-size: cover; background-position: center; opacity: 0.3; }
.ab-independence::after {
  content: ''; position: absolute; inset: 0; z-index: -1;
  background:
    linear-gradient(90deg, rgba(17,17,17,0.96) 0%, rgba(17,17,17,0.86) 55%, rgba(17,17,17,0.7) 100%),
    radial-gradient(ellipse 45% 60% at 100% 50%, rgba(205,62,45,0.2), transparent 70%);
}
.ab-ind-layout { display: grid; grid-template-columns: minmax(0, 1.15fr) minmax(0, 0.85fr); gap: clamp(2.5rem, 6vw, 5rem); align-items: center; }
.ab-independence h2 { color: #fff; }
.ab-independence .copy-block p { color: rgba(255,255,255,0.76); font-size: 1.05rem; line-height: 1.8; }
.ab-ind-panel {
  padding: 1.4rem 1.5rem; border-radius: 20px;
  background: rgba(17,17,17,0.6); border: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.14);
  -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(14px); backdrop-filter: blur(14px);
  box-shadow: 0 30px 70px rgba(0,0,0,0.5); color: #fff; font-family: var(--font-body);
}
.ab-ind-head {
  display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 0.6rem; padding-bottom: 0.9rem; margin-bottom: 0.4rem;
  border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.1);
  font-size: 0.74rem; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: 0.1em; text-transform: uppercase; color: rgba(255,255,255,0.85);
}
.ab-strike li {
  display: grid; grid-template-columns: 30px minmax(0, 1fr); gap: 0.8rem; align-items: center;
  padding: 0.75rem 0; border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.07);
}
.ab-strike li i { position: relative; width: 30px; height: 30px; border-radius: 50%; background: rgba(205,62,45,0.16); border: 1px solid var(--accent-border); }
.ab-strike li i::before, .ab-strike li i::after {
  content: ''; position: absolute; left: 50%; top: 50%; width: 12px; height: 2px; border-radius: 2px; background: var(--accent);
  transform: translate(-50%, -50%) rotate(45deg);
}
.ab-strike li i::after { transform: translate(-50%, -50%) rotate(-45deg); }
.ab-strike li span { position: relative; justify-self: start; font-size: 0.98rem; font-weight: 600; color: rgba(255,255,255,0.8); }
.ab-strike li span::first-letter { text-transform: uppercase; }
.ab-strike li span::after {
  content: ''; position: absolute; left: -2px; right: -2px; top: 52%; height: 2px; border-radius: 2px; background: var(--accent);
  transform: scaleX(0); transform-origin: 0 50%; transition: transform 0.6s var(--ease-out);
}
.ab-strike li:nth-child(2) span::after { transition-delay: 0.15s; }
.ab-strike li:nth-child(3) span::after { transition-delay: 0.3s; }
.ab-strike li:nth-child(4) span::after { transition-delay: 0.45s; }
.ab-ind-panel.in .ab-strike li span::after { transform: scaleX(1); }
.ab-ind-foot {
  display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 0.6rem; margin-top: 1.1rem; padding: 0.55rem 1rem;
  border-radius: 99px; background: var(--accent); font-size: 0.8rem; font-weight: 700; color: #fff;
  box-shadow: 0 10px 26px rgba(205,62,45,0.4);
}
.ab-ind-foot i { width: 8px; height: 8px; border-radius: 50%; background: #fff; }

/* ── What We Actually Build (ecosystem map) ──────────────────────────── */
.about-page main > section.ab-build { background: var(--panel); }
.ab-build-layout { display: grid; grid-template-columns: minmax(0, 0.95fr) minmax(0, 1.05fr); gap: clamp(3rem, 6vw, 5.5rem); align-items: center; }
.ab-map { position: relative; width: 100%; max-width: 480px; aspect-ratio: 1 / 1; margin-inline: auto; }
.ab-map-lines { position: absolute; inset: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; overflow: visible; }
.ab-map-orbit { fill: none; stroke: var(--panel-border); stroke-width: 1.5; stroke-dasharray: 4 7; }
.ab-map-orbit--inner { stroke: var(--accent-border); stroke-dasharray: none; animation: abSpin 60s linear infinite; transform-origin: 200px 200px; }
@keyframes abSpin { to { transform: rotate(360deg); } }
.ab-spoke { stroke: var(--panel-border); stroke-width: 2; stroke-dasharray: 5 6; animation: abFlow 1.6s linear infinite; transition: stroke 0.3s ease; }
@keyframes abFlow { to { stroke-dashoffset: -22; } }
.ab-map[data-active="research"] .ab-spoke[data-key="research"], .ab-map[data-active="benchmarks"] .ab-spoke[data-key="benchmarks"],
.ab-map[data-active="calculators"] .ab-spoke[data-key="calculators"], .ab-map[data-active="frameworks"] .ab-spoke[data-key="frameworks"],
.ab-map[data-active="playbooks"] .ab-spoke[data-key="playbooks"], .ab-map[data-active="reports"] .ab-spoke[data-key="reports"] { stroke: var(--accent); }
.ab-map[data-active="diagnostic"] .ab-spoke { stroke: var(--accent); }
.ab-hub {
  position: absolute; left: 50%; top: 50%; width: 36%; aspect-ratio: 1 / 1; transform: translate(-50%, -50%);
  display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; text-align: center; padding: 1rem;
  border-radius: 50%; background: var(--accent); color: #fff;
  font-family: var(--font-display); font-weight: 700; font-size: clamp(0.85rem, 1.4vw, 1.02rem); line-height: 1.2;
  box-shadow: 0 0 0 12px rgba(205,62,45,0.12), 0 24px 50px rgba(205,62,45,0.35);
  transition: transform 0.35s var(--ease-out), box-shadow 0.35s var(--ease-out);
}
.ab-map[data-active="diagnostic"] .ab-hub { transform: translate(-50%, -50%) scale(1.06); box-shadow: 0 0 0 18px rgba(205,62,45,0.16), 0 28px 60px rgba(205,62,45,0.45); }
.ab-node {
  position: absolute; left: var(--x); top: var(--y); transform: translate(-50%, -50%);
  padding: 0.6rem 1rem; border-radius: 99px; background: var(--brand-bg); border: 1px solid var(--panel-border);
  font-family: var(--font-display); font-weight: 600; font-size: 0.92rem; color: var(--text-primary); white-space: nowrap;
  box-shadow: 0 12px 30px rgba(17,17,17,0.1); cursor: default;
  transition: background 0.3s ease, color 0.3s ease, border-color 0.3s ease, transform 0.3s var(--ease-out), box-shadow 0.3s ease;
}
.ab-map[data-active="research"] .ab-node[data-key="research"], .ab-map[data-active="benchmarks"] .ab-node[data-key="benchmarks"],
.ab-map[data-active="calculators"] .ab-node[data-key="calculators"], .ab-map[data-active="frameworks"] .ab-node[data-key="frameworks"],
.ab-map[data-active="playbooks"] .ab-node[data-key="playbooks"], .ab-map[data-active="reports"] .ab-node[data-key="reports"] {
  background: var(--accent); border-color: var(--accent); color: #fff; transform: translate(-50%, -50%) scale(1.08);
  box-shadow: 0 16px 36px rgba(205,62,45,0.35);
}
.ab-build-copy .section-header { margin-bottom: 1.5rem; }
.ab-build-copy .copy-block p { font-size: 1.05rem; line-height: 1.9; }
.ab-build-copy .copy-block a {
  color: var(--text-primary); padding: 0.1rem 0.3rem; margin: 0 -0.1rem; border-radius: 6px;
  background: linear-gradient(var(--accent-subtle), var(--accent-subtle)) no-repeat 0 100% / 100% 2px;
  box-shadow: inset 0 -2px 0 var(--accent-border);
  transition: background-size 0.3s var(--ease-out), color 0.2s ease;
}
.ab-build-copy .copy-block a:hover, .ab-build-copy .copy-block a.is-active {
  background-size: 100% 100%; color: var(--accent);
}

/* ── Our Editorial Principles ─────────────────────────────────────────── */
.about-page main > section.ab-principles { background: var(--canvas); }
.ab-rules { position: relative; padding: 0 3rem 3rem 0; }
.ab-rules-photo { aspect-ratio: 4 / 3; overflow: hidden; border-radius: 22px; box-shadow: 0 30px 70px rgba(17,17,17,0.2); }
.ab-rules:hover .ab-rules-photo img { transform: scale(1.04); }
.ab-rules-list {
  position: absolute; right: 0; bottom: 0; width: min(340px, 82%);
  padding: 1rem 1.1rem; border-radius: 18px; background: var(--brand-bg); border: 1px solid var(--panel-border);
  box-shadow: 0 26px 60px rgba(17,17,17,0.2); counter-reset: abrule;
  animation: abBob 8s var(--ease-in-out) infinite alternate;
}
.ab-rules-list li {
  counter-increment: abrule; display: grid; grid-template-columns: 30px minmax(0, 1fr); gap: 0.7rem; align-items: center;
  padding: 0.55rem 0; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--panel-border);
  font-size: 0.86rem; font-weight: 600; color: var(--text-primary);
  opacity: 0; transform: translateY(8px); transition: opacity 0.5s var(--ease-out), transform 0.5s var(--ease-out);
}
.ab-rules-list li:last-child { border-bottom: none; }
.ab-rules-list li span::first-letter { text-transform: uppercase; }
.ab-rules-list li i {
  display: inline-flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; width: 30px; height: 30px; border-radius: 9px;
  background: var(--accent-subtle); color: var(--accent); font-style: normal; font-size: 0.72rem; font-weight: 700;
}
.ab-rules-list li i::before { content: counter(abrule, decimal-leading-zero); }
.ab-rules.in .ab-rules-list li { opacity: 1; transform: none; }
.ab-rules-list li:nth-child(2) { transition-delay: 0.1s; } .ab-rules-list li:nth-child(3) { transition-delay: 0.2s; }
.ab-rules-list li:nth-child(4) { transition-delay: 0.3s; } .ab-rules-list li:nth-child(5) { transition-delay: 0.4s; }
.ab-rules-list li:hover i { background: var(--accent); color: #fff; }

/* ── What We’re Not ───────────────────────────────────────────────────── */
.about-page main > section.ab-not { background: var(--panel); }
.ab-not-head {
  display: grid; grid-template-columns: minmax(0, 0.8fr) minmax(0, 1.2fr); gap: clamp(2rem, 5vw, 4.5rem);
  align-items: start; margin-bottom: clamp(2.5rem, 5vw, 3.5rem);
}
.ab-not-head .section-header { margin-bottom: 0; }
.ab-not-head .copy-block p { font-size: 1.05rem; line-height: 1.8; padding-left: 1.4rem; border-left: 3px solid var(--accent); }
.ab-not-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(4, minmax(0, 1fr)); gap: 1rem; }
.ab-not-card {
  position: relative; overflow: hidden; display: flex; flex-direction: column; justify-content: space-between; gap: 2.5rem;
  min-height: 190px; padding: 1.4rem; border-radius: 18px; background: var(--brand-bg); border: 1px solid var(--panel-border);
  transition: opacity 0.65s var(--ease-out), transform 0.35s var(--ease-out), border-color 0.3s ease, box-shadow 0.35s ease;
}
.ab-not-card.reveal:not(.in) { transform: translateY(28px); }
.ab-not-card:hover { transform: translateY(-5px); border-color: var(--accent-border); box-shadow: 0 22px 50px rgba(17,17,17,0.1); }
.ab-not-card i { position: relative; width: 48px; height: 48px; border-radius: 14px; background: var(--accent-subtle); border: 1px solid var(--accent-border); transition: background 0.3s ease, transform 0.3s ease; }
.ab-not-card i::before, .ab-not-card i::after {
  content: ''; position: absolute; left: 50%; top: 50%; width: 18px; height: 2.5px; border-radius: 2px; background: var(--accent);
  transform: translate(-50%, -50%) rotate(45deg); transition: background 0.3s ease;
}
.ab-not-card i::after { transform: translate(-50%, -50%) rotate(-45deg); }
.ab-not-card:hover i { background: var(--accent); transform: rotate(90deg); }
.ab-not-card:hover i::before, .ab-not-card:hover i::after { background: #fff; }
.ab-not-card span { font-family: var(--font-display); font-weight: 600; font-size: 1.1rem; line-height: 1.3; color: var(--text-primary); }
.ab-not-card span::first-letter { text-transform: uppercase; }

/* ── Where the Research Comes From ────────────────────────────────────── */
.about-page main > section.ab-sources { background: var(--canvas); }
.ab-flow { position: relative; padding: 0 0 3rem 3rem; }
.ab-flow-photo { aspect-ratio: 4 / 3; overflow: hidden; border-radius: 22px; box-shadow: 0 30px 70px rgba(17,17,17,0.2); }
.ab-flow:hover .ab-flow-photo img { transform: scale(1.04); }
.ab-flow-card {
  position: absolute; left: 0; bottom: 0; width: min(340px, 84%);
  padding: 1rem 1.1rem; border-radius: 18px; background: rgba(17,17,17,0.82); color: #fff;
  border: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.14); -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(14px); backdrop-filter: blur(14px);
  box-shadow: 0 26px 60px rgba(0,0,0,0.35); font-family: var(--font-body);
}
.ab-streams li {
  position: relative; display: grid; grid-template-columns: 10px minmax(0, 1fr) 46px; gap: 0.7rem; align-items: center;
  padding: 0.42rem 0; font-size: 0.82rem; font-weight: 600; color: rgba(255,255,255,0.85);
}
.ab-streams li span::first-letter { text-transform: uppercase; }
.ab-streams li i { width: 10px; height: 10px; border-radius: 50%; background: rgba(255,255,255,0.35); }
.ab-streams li::after {
  content: ''; height: 2px; border-radius: 2px; align-self: center;
  background: repeating-linear-gradient(90deg, var(--accent) 0 5px, transparent 5px 9px); background-size: 18px 2px;
  animation: abStream 1s linear infinite; animation-delay: calc(var(--d) * -0.2s);
}
@keyframes abStream { to { background-position: 18px 0; } }
.ab-streams-out {
  display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 0.6rem; margin-top: 0.6rem; padding: 0.6rem 0.8rem; border-radius: 10px;
  background: var(--accent); font-size: 0.8rem; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: 0.02em;
}
.ab-streams-out .ab-live { background: #fff; }
.ab-streams-out .ab-live::after { border-color: #fff; }

/* ── AI-Assisted, Human-Verified ──────────────────────────────────────── */
.about-page main > section.ab-ai { background: var(--panel); }
.ab-ai-card {
  display: grid; grid-template-columns: minmax(0, 1.1fr) minmax(0, 0.8fr) minmax(0, 0.8fr); gap: clamp(1.5rem, 3.5vw, 3rem);
  align-items: center; padding: clamp(1.5rem, 3.5vw, 2.75rem); border-radius: 24px;
  background: var(--brand-bg); border: 1px solid var(--panel-border); box-shadow: 0 30px 70px rgba(17,17,17,0.08);
}
.ab-ai-copy .section-header { margin-bottom: 1.25rem; }
.ab-ai-copy .copy-block p { font-size: 1.02rem; line-height: 1.75; }
.ab-pipeline { position: relative; display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 0.7rem; }
.ab-pipeline::before {
  content: ''; position: absolute; left: 17px; top: 18px; bottom: 18px; width: 2px; background: var(--accent-border);
}
.ab-pipeline li {
  position: relative; display: grid; grid-template-columns: 36px minmax(0, 1fr); gap: 0.8rem; align-items: center;
  font-size: 0.88rem; font-weight: 600; color: var(--text-primary);
  opacity: 0; transform: translateX(-10px); transition: opacity 0.5s var(--ease-out), transform 0.5s var(--ease-out);
}
.ab-pipeline.in li { opacity: 1; transform: none; }
.ab-pipeline li:nth-child(2) { transition-delay: 0.12s; } .ab-pipeline li:nth-child(3) { transition-delay: 0.24s; }
.ab-pipeline li:nth-child(4) { transition-delay: 0.36s; } .ab-pipeline li:nth-child(5) { transition-delay: 0.48s; }
.ab-pipeline li span::first-letter { text-transform: uppercase; }
.ab-pipeline li i {
  position: relative; z-index: 1; width: 36px; height: 36px; border-radius: 50%;
  background: var(--brand-bg); border: 2px solid var(--accent);
}
.ab-pipeline li i::after {
  content: ''; position: absolute; left: 11px; top: 6px; width: 7px; height: 13px;
  border-right: 2.5px solid var(--accent); border-bottom: 2.5px solid var(--accent); transform: rotate(45deg);
}
.ab-pipeline li.is-ai { color: var(--text-secondary); }
.ab-pipeline li.is-ai i { border-color: var(--panel-border); background: var(--panel); }
.ab-pipeline li.is-ai i::after { border: none; left: 50%; top: 50%; width: 8px; height: 8px; border-radius: 50%; background: var(--text-muted); transform: translate(-50%, -50%); }
.ab-pipeline li.is-end i { background: var(--accent); }
.ab-pipeline li.is-end i::after { border-color: #fff; }
.ab-ai-photo { align-self: stretch; min-height: 260px; overflow: hidden; border-radius: 18px; }
.ab-ai-card:hover .ab-ai-photo img { transform: scale(1.05); }

/* ── FAQ (card grid) ──────────────────────────────────────────────────── */
.about-page main > section.ab-faq { background: var(--canvas); }
.ab-faq .faq-list { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(2, minmax(0, 1fr)); gap: 1rem; max-width: none; counter-reset: abfaq; }
.ab-faq .faq-item {
  counter-increment: abfaq; position: relative; padding: 1.5rem 1.6rem 1.6rem 4.6rem;
  border: 1px solid var(--panel-border); border-radius: 18px; background: var(--brand-bg);
  transition: opacity 0.65s var(--ease-out), transform 0.35s var(--ease-out), border-color 0.3s ease, box-shadow 0.35s ease;
}
.ab-faq .faq-item:first-child { padding-top: 1.5rem; }
.ab-faq .faq-item:last-child:nth-child(odd) { grid-column: 1 / -1; }
.ab-faq .faq-item.reveal:not(.in) { transform: translateY(28px); }
.ab-faq .faq-item:hover { transform: translateY(-4px); border-color: var(--accent-border); box-shadow: 0 20px 46px rgba(17,17,17,0.08); }
.ab-faq .faq-item::before {
  content: counter(abfaq, decimal-leading-zero); position: absolute; left: 1.4rem; top: 1.4rem;
  display: inline-flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; width: 38px; height: 38px; border-radius: 10px;
  background: var(--accent-subtle); color: var(--accent); font-size: 0.78rem; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: 0.05em;
  transition: background 0.3s ease, color 0.3s ease;
}
.ab-faq .faq-item:hover::before { background: var(--accent); color: #fff; }

/* ── Closing ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── */
.about-page main > section.ab-closing { overflow: hidden; isolation: isolate; text-align: left; padding-block: clamp(5.5rem, 11vw, 8.5rem); }
.ab-closing-bg { position: absolute; inset: 0; z-index: -2; background-size: cover; background-position: center; }
.ab-closing::before {
  content: ''; position: absolute; inset: 0; z-index: -1;
  background:
    linear-gradient(90deg, rgba(17,17,17,0.97) 0%, rgba(17,17,17,0.9) 50%, rgba(17,17,17,0.75) 100%),
    radial-gradient(ellipse 50% 60% at 10% 100%, rgba(205,62,45,0.22), transparent 70%);
}
.ab-closing::after { content: ''; position: absolute; left: 0; right: 0; top: 0; height: 1px; background: linear-gradient(90deg, transparent, var(--accent), transparent); }
.ab-closing-layout { display: grid; grid-template-columns: minmax(0, 1.25fr) minmax(0, 0.75fr); gap: clamp(2.5rem, 6vw, 5rem); align-items: center; }
.ab-closing .closing-cta-inner { max-width: 680px; margin-inline: 0; }
.ab-closing .closing-cta-inner p { margin-inline: 0; max-width: 60ch; }
.ab-closing .closing-cta-inner p strong { color: #fff; }
.ab-routes { display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 0.75rem; }
.ab-route {
  display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; align-items: center; gap: 0.5rem; padding: 1rem 1.1rem; border-radius: 16px;
  background: rgba(255,255,255,0.06); border: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.12);
  -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(10px); backdrop-filter: blur(10px); font-family: var(--font-body);
  transition: transform 0.3s var(--ease-out), border-color 0.3s ease, background 0.3s ease;
}
.ab-route:hover { transform: translateX(-4px); border-color: var(--accent-border); background: rgba(255,255,255,0.09); }
.ab-route b { flex-basis: 100%; font-size: 0.8rem; font-weight: 600; color: rgba(255,255,255,0.65); }
.ab-route b::first-letter { text-transform: uppercase; }
.ab-route span { padding: 0.35rem 0.8rem; border-radius: 99px; background: rgba(255,255,255,0.12); color: #fff; font-size: 0.82rem; font-weight: 700; }
.ab-route.is-primary { border-color: var(--accent-border); background: rgba(205,62,45,0.14); }
.ab-route.is-primary span { background: var(--accent); }

/* ── Responsive ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────── */
@media (max-width: 1199px) {
  .ab-hero-layout, .ab-closing-layout { grid-template-columns: minmax(0, 1fr); }
  .ab-hero-collage { max-width: 580px; }
  .ab-routes { max-width: 580px; }
}
@media (max-width: 1100px) {
  .ab-not-grid { grid-template-columns: repeat(2, minmax(0, 1fr)); }
  .ab-ai-card { grid-template-columns: minmax(0, 1fr) minmax(0, 1fr); }
  .ab-ai-photo { grid-column: 1 / -1; min-height: 0; aspect-ratio: 16 / 6; }
}
@media (max-width: 960px) {
  .about-page main > section.ab-hero { min-height: auto; }
  .ab-hero-layout, .ab-ind-layout, .ab-build-layout, .ab-closing-layout, .ab-split, .ab-not-head { grid-template-columns: minmax(0, 1fr); }
  .ab-split--reverse > :first-child { order: 0; }
  .ab-hero-collage, .ab-options, .ab-rules, .ab-flow { max-width: 580px; }
  .ab-map { max-width: 420px; }
  .ab-build-copy { order: -1; }
}
@media (max-width: 600px) {
  .about-page main > section { padding-block: 4rem; }
  .about-page main > section.ab-hero { padding-block: calc(68px + 2rem) 3.5rem; }
  .about-page main > section.ab-independence { padding-block: 5.5rem; }
  .ab-hero .page-hero-actions, .ab-closing .cta-row { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
  .ab-hero-collage { grid-template-columns: minmax(0, 1fr); padding-bottom: 0; }
  .ab-hc-main { grid-column: 1; aspect-ratio: 4 / 3; border-radius: 160px 160px 20px 20px; }
  .ab-hc-sub { width: 30%; right: 0; bottom: auto; top: 0; }
  .ab-hc-chips { grid-column: 1; grid-row: 2; flex-direction: row; flex-wrap: wrap; margin: 1.5rem 0 0; padding-left: 0; }
  .ab-hc-chips::before, .ab-hc-chip::before { display: none; }
  .ab-hc-chip, .ab-hc-chip--b, .ab-hc-chip--c { margin-left: 0; font-size: 0.75rem; padding: 0.45rem 0.8rem; }
  .ab-options { padding-bottom: 0; }
  .ab-option { position: relative; right: auto; bottom: auto !important; width: 100%; margin-top: 0.6rem; }
  .ab-rules, .ab-flow { padding: 0; }
  .ab-rules-list, .ab-flow-card { position: relative; left: auto; right: auto; bottom: auto; width: 100%; margin-top: -2rem; animation: none; }
  .ab-not-grid { grid-template-columns: minmax(0, 1fr); gap: 0.75rem; }
  .ab-not-card { min-height: 0; flex-direction: row; align-items: center; gap: 1rem; padding: 1.1rem; }
  .ab-ai-card { grid-template-columns: minmax(0, 1fr); }
  .ab-ai-photo { aspect-ratio: 16 / 9; }
  .ab-node { font-size: 0.78rem; padding: 0.45rem 0.75rem; }
  .ab-faq .faq-list { grid-template-columns: minmax(0, 1fr); }
  .ab-faq .faq-item { padding: 1.25rem 1.25rem 1.3rem 4rem; }
  .ab-faq .faq-item::before { left: 1.1rem; top: 1.2rem; width: 34px; height: 34px; }
  .ab-closing .cta-row .btn { width: 100%; }
}
@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) {
  .ab-live::after, .ab-hc-sub, .ab-hc-chip, .ab-rules-list, .ab-spoke, .ab-map-orbit--inner, .ab-streams li::after { animation: none !important; }
  .ab-option, .ab-rules-list li, .ab-pipeline li { opacity: 1; transform: none; }
  .ab-strike li span::after { transform: scaleX(1); }
}