/* ═══════════════════════════════════════════
   MERLIN LLC - PREMIUM DESIGN REFINEMENTS
   ═══════════════════════════════════════════ */

/* Global CTA Section Refinement */
.global-cta {
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, #0A0F1C 0%, #172554 100%) !important;
  color: var(--color-white) !important;
  padding-block: var(--space-32) !important;
  overflow: hidden;
}

.global-cta__label {
  font-size: var(--text-xs);
  font-weight: var(--weight-bold);
  letter-spacing: var(--tracking-widest);
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--color-primary-400);
  margin-bottom: var(--space-6);
}

.global-cta__headline {
  font-family: var(--font-display);
  font-size: clamp(2.5rem, 5vw, var(--text-6xl));
  font-weight: var(--weight-bold);
  line-height: var(--leading-tight);
  margin-bottom: var(--space-12);
}

.global-cta__highlight {
  color: var(--color-primary-400);
  text-shadow: 0 0 20px rgba(96, 165, 250, 0.3);
}

.global-cta__socials {
  display: flex;
  gap: var(--space-6);
}

.social-icon {
  width: 48px;
  height: 48px;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.2);
  border-radius: 50%;
  color: var(--color-white);
  transition: all var(--duration-normal) var(--ease-out);
}

.social-icon svg {
  width: 20px;
  height: 20px;
  fill: currentColor;
}

.social-icon:hover {
  background: var(--color-primary-600);
  border-color: var(--color-primary-600);
  transform: scale(1.1);
}

/* Global CTA Form */
.cta-form {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  gap: var(--space-8);
}

.cta-form__headline {
  font-family: var(--font-primary);
  font-size: var(--text-3xl);
  font-weight: var(--weight-semibold);
  margin-bottom: var(--space-6);
  color: var(--color-white);
}

.cta-form__grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr);
  gap: var(--space-8);
}

@media (max-width: 640px) {
  .cta-form__grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
}

.cta-form__input-group {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
}

.cta-form__input {
  background: transparent;
  border: none;
  border-bottom: 2px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.2);
  padding: var(--space-4) 0;
  color: var(--color-white);
  font-family: var(--font-primary);
  font-size: var(--text-lg);
  transition: all var(--duration-fast) var(--ease-default);
}

.cta-form__input:focus {
  outline: none;
  border-bottom-color: var(--color-primary-400);
  background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.03);
}

.cta-form__input::placeholder {
  color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.4);
}

.cta-form__submit {
  align-self: flex-start;
  margin-top: var(--space-4);
  background-color: var(--color-primary-600) !important;
  color: white !important;
  padding: var(--space-4) var(--space-10) !important;
  border-radius: var(--radius-full) !important;
  font-weight: var(--weight-bold) !important;
  box-shadow: 0 4px 15px rgba(37, 99, 235, 0.2);
  transition: all var(--duration-normal) var(--ease-default) !important;
}

.cta-form__submit:hover {
  background-color: var(--color-primary-500) !important;
  transform: translateY(-2px);
  box-shadow: 0 6px 20px rgba(37, 99, 235, 0.3);
}

/* ═══════════════════════════════════════════
   PREMIUM STRUCTURED FOOTER (LIGHT STYLE)
   ═══════════════════════════════════════════ */
.premium-footer {
  background-color: #F8FAFC !important;
  color: var(--color-neutral-900) !important;
  padding: var(--space-24) 0 var(--space-12) !important;
  border-top: 1px solid var(--color-neutral-200) !important;
  font-family: var(--font-primary);
  position: relative;
  z-index: 10;
}

/* Override existing footer styles if any */
.premium-footer::before { display: none !important; }

.premium-footer__grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(4, 1fr);
  gap: var(--space-12);
  margin-bottom: var(--space-16);
}

.footer-column__title {
  font-size: var(--text-sm);
  font-weight: var(--weight-bold);
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: var(--tracking-widest);
  color: var(--color-neutral-950);
  margin-bottom: var(--space-6);
  border-bottom: 2px solid var(--color-neutral-200);
  padding-bottom: var(--space-2);
  display: inline-block;
}

.footer-column__links {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  gap: var(--space-3);
}

.footer-column__link {
  font-size: var(--text-sm);
  color: var(--color-neutral-600);
  transition: color var(--duration-fast) var(--ease-default);
  text-decoration: none;
}

.footer-column__link:hover {
  color: var(--color-primary-600);
}

.premium-footer__bottom {
  border-top: 1px solid var(--color-neutral-200);
  padding-top: var(--space-8);
  display: flex;
  justify-content: space-between;
  align-items: center;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
  gap: var(--space-6);
}

.premium-footer__copyright {
  font-size: var(--text-sm);
  color: var(--color-neutral-500);
}

.premium-footer__social-mini {
  display: flex;
  gap: var(--space-8);
}

.social-mini-link {
  color: var(--color-neutral-400);
  transition: all var(--duration-normal) var(--ease-default);
}

.social-mini-link:hover {
  color: var(--color-primary-600);
  transform: translateY(-2px);
}

.social-mini-link svg {
  width: 20px;
  height: 20px;
  fill: currentColor;
}

@media (max-width: 1024px) {
  .premium-footer__grid {
    grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr);
  }
}

@media (max-width: 640px) {
  .premium-footer__grid {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr;
  }
}

/* ═══════════════════════════════════════════
   FAQ SECTION (PREMIUM ACCORDION)
   ═══════════════════════════════════════════ */
.faq-section {
  background-color: var(--color-white);
  padding-block: var(--space-24);
  border-top: 1px solid var(--color-neutral-100);
}

.faq-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr 1.5fr;
  gap: var(--space-16);
  align-items: flex-start;
}

@media (max-width: 1024px) {
  .faq-grid {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr;
    gap: var(--space-8);
  }
}

.faq-headline {
  font-family: var(--font-display);
  font-size: clamp(2.25rem, 4vw, var(--text-5xl));
  font-weight: var(--weight-bold);
  line-height: var(--leading-tight);
  color: var(--color-neutral-900);
}

.faq-accordion {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
}

.faq-item {
  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--color-neutral-200);
}

.faq-trigger {
  width: 100%;
  padding-block: var(--space-6);
  display: flex;
  justify-content: space-between;
  align-items: center;
  background: none;
  border: none;
  text-align: left;
  cursor: pointer;
  transition: all var(--duration-fast) var(--ease-default);
}

.faq-trigger:hover .faq-question {
  color: var(--color-primary-600);
}

.faq-question {
  font-family: var(--font-primary);
  font-size: var(--text-lg);
  font-weight: var(--weight-semibold);
  color: var(--color-neutral-800);
  transition: color var(--duration-fast) var(--ease-default);
  padding-right: var(--space-6);
}

.faq-icon {
  position: relative;
  width: 20px;
  height: 20px;
  flex-shrink: 0;
  transition: transform var(--duration-normal) var(--ease-in-out);
}

.faq-icon::before,
.faq-icon::after {
  content: '';
  position: absolute;
  background-color: var(--color-neutral-400);
  transition: background-color var(--duration-fast) var(--ease-default),
              transform var(--duration-normal) var(--ease-in-out);
}

/* Horizontal line */
.faq-icon::before {
  top: 9px;
  left: 0;
  width: 100%;
  height: 2px;
}

/* Vertical line */
.faq-icon::after {
  top: 0;
  left: 9px;
  width: 2px;
  height: 100%;
}

.faq-item.active .faq-icon {
  transform: rotate(45deg);
}

.faq-item.active .faq-icon::before,
.faq-item.active .faq-icon::after {
  background-color: var(--color-primary-500);
}

.faq-content {
  max-height: 0;
  overflow: hidden;
  transition: max-height var(--duration-normal) cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1);
}

.faq-item.active .faq-content {
  max-height: 500px; /* Adjust based on content */
}

.faq-answer {
  padding-bottom: var(--space-6);
  font-family: var(--font-primary);
  font-size: var(--text-base);
  line-height: var(--leading-relaxed);
  color: var(--color-neutral-600);
  max-width: 90%;
}

/* ═══════════════════════════════════════════
   SERVICE PAGE - FULL-BLEED IMAGE REFINEMENT
   ═══════════════════════════════════════════ */

/* Remove padding from the demo frame to allow edge-to-edge images */
#service-websites .demo-frame,
#service-webapps .demo-frame,
#service-crm .demo-frame,
#service-pos .demo-frame,
#service-consulting .demo-frame {
  padding: 0 !important;
  background: transparent !important;
  border-color: var(--color-neutral-200) !important;
}

/* Ensure the demo hero grid fills the frame */
.demo-hero {
  gap: 0 !important;
  min-height: 400px !important;
}

/* Re-add padding to the content side only */
.demo-hero__content {
  padding: var(--space-12) var(--space-12);
}

/* Refine the image container to be edge-to-edge */
.demo-hero__image {
  height: 100%;
  width: 100%;
  padding: 0 !important;
  background: transparent !important;
  overflow: hidden !important;
}

/* Ensure the image fills the container perfectly */
.demo-hero__image img {
  width: 100% !important;
  height: 100% !important;
  max-height: none !important;
  object-fit: cover !important;
  display: block !important;
  border-radius: 0 !important; /* Image fills the parent's rounded corners due to overflow:hidden */
  box-shadow: none !important; /* Shadow should be on the container or removed for flat edge-to-edge */
  animation: none !important; /* Remove floating animation for full-bleed stability */
  filter: none !important; /* Remove drop shadow that causes white edges */
}

/* Tablet & Mobile Adjustments */
@media (max-width: 768px) {
  .demo-hero {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr !important;
  }
  .demo-hero__image {
    height: 250px !important;
  }
  .demo-hero__content {
    padding: var(--space-8);
  }
}

/* ═══════════════════════════════════════════
   SERVICES PAGE - IMMERSIVE VIDEO HERO (V2)
   ═══════════════════════════════════════════ */
.services-hero-v2 {
  position: relative;
  min-height: 95vh; /* Maximum immersion */
  width: 100%;
  display: flex;
  align-items: flex-end; /* Anchor to bottom */
  justify-content: flex-start; /* Anchor to left */
  overflow: hidden;
  background-color: #0A0F1C;
  padding: 0 0 var(--space-20) var(--space-12); /* Large padding-bottom and padding-left as requested */
}

.services-hero-v2__video-bg {
  position: absolute;
  inset: 0;
  z-index: 0;
}

.video-full-bg {
  width: 100%;
  height: 100%;
  object-fit: cover;
  display: block;
}

.services-hero-v2__overlay {
  position: absolute;
  inset: 0;
  /* Gradient weighted at the bottom and left for text legibility */
  background: linear-gradient(
    to top right, 
    rgba(10, 15, 28, 0.95) 0%, 
    rgba(10, 15, 28, 0.7) 30%, 
    rgba(10, 15, 28, 0.2) 60%,
    transparent 100%
  );
  z-index: 1;
}

.services-hero-v2__container {
  position: relative;
  z-index: 2;
  width: 100%;
}

.services-hero-v2__content {
  max-width: 450px; /* Tightly clustered in the corner */
  margin: 0;
}

.services-hero-v2__label {
  display: inline-block;
  font-size: var(--text-sm);
  font-weight: var(--weight-bold);
  letter-spacing: var(--tracking-widest);
  color: var(--color-primary-400);
  margin-bottom: var(--space-4);
  text-transform: uppercase;
}

.services-hero-v2__title {
  font-family: var(--font-display);
  font-size: clamp(2rem, 4vw, 3rem); /* Anchored, not overpowering */
  font-weight: var(--weight-bold);
  line-height: var(--leading-tight);
  color: var(--color-white);
  margin-bottom: var(--space-6);
}

.services-hero-v2__subtitle {
  font-size: var(--text-lg);
  line-height: var(--leading-relaxed);
  color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.85);
  margin-bottom: var(--space-10);
  max-width: 600px;
}

.services-hero-v2__actions {
  display: flex;
  gap: var(--space-6);
}

/* Helper Class for White Outline Button */
.btn-outline-white {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  padding: var(--space-4) var(--space-10);
  border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.3);
  border-radius: var(--radius-full);
  color: var(--color-white);
  font-weight: var(--weight-semibold);
  transition: all var(--duration-normal) var(--ease-default);
  text-decoration: none;
}

.btn-outline-white:hover {
  background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.1);
  border-color: var(--color-white);
  transform: translateY(-2px);
}

/* Responsive V2 Hero */
@media (max-width: 1024px) {
  .services-hero-v2 {
    min-height: 80vh;
    padding-bottom: var(--space-12);
  }
}

@media (max-width: 768px) {
  .services-hero-v2 {
    align-items: center;
    text-align: center;
  }
  .services-hero-v2__content {
    max-width: 100%;
    padding-left: 0;
    margin: 0 auto;
  }
  .services-hero-v2__actions {
    justify-content: center;
  }
  .services-hero-v2__overlay {
    background: rgba(10, 15, 28, 0.7); /* Solid overlay on mobile for focus */
  }
}



/* ============================================================
   PREMIUM HERO SECTIONS
   ============================================================ */
.hero-premium {
  position: relative !important;
  min-height: 70vh !important;
  display: flex !important;
  align-items: center !important;
  padding-top: 100px !important;
  padding-bottom: 80px !important;
  background-color: #0f172a !important;
  overflow: hidden !important;
  color: white !important;
}

.hero-premium__bg {
  position: absolute !important;
  inset: 0 !important;
  z-index: 0 !important;
}

.hero-premium__image {
  width: 100% !important;
  height: 100% !important;
  object-fit: cover !important;
  object-position: center !important;
}

.hero-premium__overlay {
  position: absolute !important;
  inset: 0 !important;
  background: linear-gradient(
    to right,
    rgba(10, 15, 28, 0.95) 0%,
    rgba(10, 15, 28, 0.7) 40%,
    rgba(10, 15, 28, 0.3) 100%
  ), linear-gradient(
    to top,
    rgba(10, 15, 28, 0.8) 0%,
    transparent 50%
  ) !important;
  z-index: 1 !important;
}

.hero-premium__content {
  position: relative !important;
  z-index: 2 !important;
  max-width: 800px !important;
}

.hero-premium .hero__overline {
  color: #60a5fa !important;
  font-weight: 800 !important;
  letter-spacing: 0.15em !important;
  margin-bottom: 1.5rem !important;
}

.hero-premium .hero__title {
  color: white !important;
  font-size: clamp(2.5rem, 6vw, 4rem) !important;
  font-weight: 800 !important;
  line-height: 1.1 !important;
  margin-bottom: 2rem !important;
  text-shadow: 0 4px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.3) !important;
}

.hero-premium .hero__title span {
  color: #93c5fd !important;
}

.hero-premium .hero__subtitle {
  color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.9) !important;
  font-size: clamp(1.1rem, 2vw, 1.35rem) !important;
  line-height: 1.6 !important;
  max-width: 650px !important;
  text-shadow: 0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.2) !important;
}


/* ============================================================
   VIDEO HERO SECTION
   ============================================================ */
.video-hero {
  position: relative !important;
  min-height: 80vh !important;
  display: flex !important;
  align-items: center !important;
  background-color: #000 !important;
  overflow: hidden !important;
  color: white !important;
}

.video-hero__bg {
  position: absolute !important;
  inset: 0 !important;
  z-index: 0 !important;
}

.video-hero__video {
  width: 100% !important;
  height: 100% !important;
  object-fit: cover !important;
  opacity: 0.7 !important;
}

.video-hero__overlay {
  position: absolute !important;
  inset: 0 !important;
  background: linear-gradient(
    to top,
    rgba(10, 15, 28, 0.9) 0%,
    rgba(10, 15, 28, 0.4) 50%,
    rgba(10, 15, 28, 0.1) 100%
  ) !important;
  z-index: 1 !important;
}

.video-hero__content {
  position: relative !important;
  z-index: 2 !important;
  max-width: 800px !important;
}

.video-hero .editorial-overline {
  color: #60a5fa !important;
  font-weight: 800 !important;
  letter-spacing: 0.2em !important;
  margin-bottom: 2rem !important;
  display: block !important;
}

.video-hero .editorial-title {
  color: white !important;
  font-size: clamp(2.5rem, 6vw, 4.5rem) !important;
  font-weight: 800 !important;
  line-height: 1 !important;
  margin-bottom: 2.5rem !important;
  text-shadow: 0 4px 30px rgba(0,0,0,0.5) !important;
}

.video-hero .editorial-subtitle {
  color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.95) !important;
  font-size: clamp(1.15rem, 2vw, 1.4rem) !important;
  line-height: 1.6 !important;
  text-shadow: 0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.3) !important;
}


/* ============================================================
   VISUAL PROCESS FLOW
   ============================================================ */
.process-flow-section {
  padding: 120px 0 !important;
  background: white !important;
  position: relative !important;
  overflow: hidden !important;
}

.process-flow-container {
  max-width: 1200px !important;
  margin: 0 auto !important;
  position: relative !important;
  display: flex !important;
  justify-content: space-between !important;
  align-items: center !important;
  gap: 20px !important;
}

/* Connecting Line Background */
.process-flow-line {
  position: absolute !important;
  top: 50% !important;
  left: 50px !important;
  right: 50px !important;
  height: 4px !important;
  background: linear-gradient(to right, #60a5fa, #2563eb, #60a5fa) !important;
  z-index: 0 !important;
  opacity: 0.3 !important;
  border-radius: 4px !important;
  transform: translateY(-50%) !important;
}

.process-flow-item {
  position: relative !important;
  z-index: 1 !important;
  width: 160px !important;
  display: flex !important;
  flex-direction: column !important;
  align-items: center !important;
  text-align: center !important;
  transition: all 0.5s ease !important;
}

/* Offset Pattern */
.process-flow-item:nth-child(even) {
  transform: translateY(60px) !important;
}
.process-flow-item:nth-child(odd) {
  transform: translateY(-60px) !important;
}

.process-flow-diamond {
  width: 100px !important;
  height: 100px !important;
  background: white !important;
  border: 2px solid #2563eb !important;
  border-radius: 20px !important;
  transform: rotate(45deg) !important;
  display: flex !important;
  align-items: center !important;
  justify-content: center !important;
  margin-bottom: 40px !important;
  box-shadow: 0 10px 30px rgba(37, 99, 235, 0.1) !important;
  transition: all 0.4s ease !important;
}

.process-flow-item:hover .process-flow-diamond {
  background: #2563eb !important;
  transform: rotate(45deg) scale(1.1) !important;
  box-shadow: 0 15px 40px rgba(37, 99, 235, 0.3) !important;
}

.process-flow-icon {
  transform: rotate(-45deg) !important;
  color: #2563eb !important;
  transition: all 0.4s ease !important;
}

.process-flow-item:hover .process-flow-icon {
  color: white !important;
  transform: rotate(-45deg) scale(0.9) !important;
}

.process-flow-title {
  font-family: var(--font-display) !important;
  font-weight: 800 !important;
  color: #0f172a !important;
  font-size: 1.1rem !important;
  text-transform: uppercase !important;
  letter-spacing: 0.05em !important;
}

/* Mobile Tweak */
@media (max-width: 768px) {
  .process-flow-container {
    flex-direction: column !important;
    gap: 80px !important;
  }
  .process-flow-item:nth-child(even),
  .process-flow-item:nth-child(odd) {
    transform: none !important;
  }
  .process-flow-line {
    top: 50px !important;
    bottom: 50px !important;
    left: 50% !important;
    right: auto !important;
    width: 2px !important;
    height: auto !important;
    transform: translateX(-50%) !important;
  }
}


/* ============================================================
   DIGITAL SILK INSPIRED CONTACT PAGE
   ============================================================ */
.contact-silk {
  background: #0a0f1c !important;
  color: white !important;
  position: relative !important;
}

.contact-silk-hero {
  display: flex !important;
  flex-wrap: wrap !important;
  min-height: 80vh !important;
  background: radial-gradient(circle at 10% 20%, rgba(37, 99, 235, 0.15), transparent 50%),
              radial-gradient(circle at 90% 80%, rgba(96, 165, 250, 0.1), transparent 50%) !important;
}

.contact-silk-hero__left {
  flex: 1 1 50% !important;
  padding: 120px 80px 80px !important;
  display: flex !important;
  flex-direction: column !important;
  justify-content: center !important;
}

.contact-silk-hero__right {
  flex: 1 1 50% !important;
  padding: 120px 80px 80px !important;
  display: flex !important;
  align-items: center !important;
  justify-content: center !important;
}

.silk-title {
  font-family: var(--font-display) !important;
  font-size: clamp(2.5rem, 5vw, 4.5rem) !important;
  font-weight: 800 !important;
  line-height: 1.1 !important;
  margin-bottom: 2rem !important;
  background: linear-gradient(to right, #fff, #93c5fd) !important;
  -webkit-background-clip: text !important;
  -webkit-text-fill-color: transparent !important;
}

.silk-feature-grid {
  display: grid !important;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr) !important;
  gap: 40px !important;
  margin-top: 60px !important;
}

.silk-feature-item h4 {
  color: #60a5fa !important;
  font-size: 1.25rem !important;
  font-weight: 700 !important;
  margin-bottom: 10px !important;
}

.silk-feature-item p {
  color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7) !important;
  font-size: 0.95rem !important;
}

/* Form Card */
.silk-card {
  background: white !important;
  padding: 60px !important;
  border-radius: 0 !important; /* Sharp by default */
  width: 100% !important;
  max-width: 600px !important;
  box-shadow: 0 30px 60px rgba(0,0,0,0.3) !important;
  color: #0f172a !important;
  position: relative !important;
  transition: border-radius 0.4s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1), transform 0.4s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1) !important;
}

.silk-card:hover {
  border-radius: 20px !important;
}

.silk-card::before {
  content: "" !important;
  position: absolute !important;
  top: 0 !important; right: 0 !important;
  width: 0 !important; height: 0 !important;
  border-style: solid !important;
  border-width: 0 40px 40px 0 !important;
  border-color: transparent #0a0f1c transparent transparent !important;
}

.silk-input-group {
  margin-bottom: 35px !important;
  position: relative !important;
}

.silk-input {
  width: 100% !important;
  padding: 12px 0 !important;
  background: transparent !important;
  border: none !important;
  border-bottom: 1px solid #cbd5e1 !important;
  font-size: 1rem !important;
  color: #0f172a !important;
  transition: border-color 0.3s ease !important;
}

.silk-input:focus {
  outline: none !important;
  border-bottom-color: #2563eb !important;
}

.silk-label {
  display: block !important;
  font-weight: 700 !important;
  font-size: 0.75rem !important;
  text-transform: uppercase !important;
  letter-spacing: 0.1em !important;
  color: #64748b !important;
  margin-bottom: 5px !important;
}

.silk-submit {
  width: 100% !important;
  padding: 18px !important;
  background: #2563eb !important;
  color: white !important;
  border: none !important;
  font-weight: 800 !important;
  text-transform: uppercase !important;
  letter-spacing: 0.1em !important;
  cursor: pointer !important;
  transition: all 0.3s ease !important;
}

.silk-submit:hover {
  background: #1d4ed8 !important;
  box-shadow: 0 10px 20px rgba(37, 99, 235, 0.3) !important;
  transform: translateY(-2px) !important;
}

/* Locations Section */
.silk-locations {
  padding: 120px 0 !important;
  background: white !important;
  color: #0f172a !important;
  overflow: hidden !important;
}

.silk-locations-grid {
  display: grid !important;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(300px, 1fr)) !important;
  gap: 60px !important;
}

.silk-location-item {
  position: relative !important;
}

.silk-location-bg {
  position: absolute !important;
  top: -20px !important;
  left: -20px !important;
  font-size: 8rem !important;
  font-weight: 900 !important;
  color: rgba(37, 99, 235, 0.05) !important;
  line-height: 1 !important;
  z-index: 0 !important;
  user-select: none !important;
}

.silk-location-content {
  position: relative !important;
  z-index: 1 !important;
}

.silk-location-name {
  font-size: 1.5rem !important;
  font-weight: 800 !important;
  margin-bottom: 20px !important;
}

.silk-location-details p {
  line-height: 1.8 !important;
  color: #64748b !important;
}

@media (max-width: 1024px) {
  .contact-silk-hero__left, .contact-silk-hero__right {
    flex: 1 1 100% !important;
    padding: 60px 40px !important;
  }
}


/* ============================================================
   PORTAL GRID ARRANGEMENT (2, 2, 1)
   ============================================================ */
.portal-grid {
  display: grid !important;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr) !important;
  gap: 30px !important;
  max-width: 1200px !important;
  margin: 0 auto !important;
}

/* Make the 5th (last) card take full width or centered span */
.portal-card:nth-child(5) {
  grid-column: span 2 !important;
  /* Optional: make it slightly less tall if full width, or keep consistent */
  min-height: 450px !important; 
}

/* If the user wants it centered rather than full width, 
   we could use a wrapper or centering margin, 
   but grid-column span is the standard way for this layout. */

@media (max-width: 900px) {
  .portal-grid {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr !important;
  }
  .portal-card:nth-child(5) {
    grid-column: span 1 !important;
  }
}


/* ============================================================
   PORTAL SECTION VISIBILITY FIX
   ============================================================ */
.portal-section .section-header h2 {
  color: #ffffff !important;
  text-shadow: 0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.3) !important;
}

.portal-section .section-header p {
  color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7) !important;
  max-width: 600px !important; /* Slightly wider for better balance */
}



.home-hero-animated {
  position: relative !important;
  min-height: 100vh !important;
  display: flex !important;
  align-items: center !important;
  justify-content: center !important;
  overflow: hidden !important;
  background-color: #000 !important;
  padding: 0 !important;
}

.home-hero-animated__bg {
  position: absolute !important;
  inset: 0 !important;
  width: 100% !important;
  height: 100% !important;
  z-index: 0 !important;
}

.home-hero-animated__bg video, 
.home-hero-animated__bg img {
  width: 100% !important;
  height: 100% !important;
  object-fit: cover !important;
}

.home-hero-animated__overlay {
  position: absolute !important;
  inset: 0 !important;
  background: radial-gradient(circle at center, rgba(10, 15, 28, 0.4), rgba(10, 15, 28, 0.8)) !important;
  z-index: 1 !important;
}

.home-hero-animated__container {
  position: relative !important;
  z-index: 10 !important;
  width: 100% !important;
  display: flex !important;
  flex-direction: column !important;
  align-items: center !important;
  text-align: center !important;
}

.home-hero-animated__content {
  max-width: 900px !important;
  color: #ffffff !important;
}

.home-hero-animated__title {
  color: #ffffff !important;
  text-shadow: 0 4px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.5) !important;
}

.home-hero-animated__subtitle {
  color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.9) !important;
  text-shadow: 0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.3) !important;
}





/* Initial state for reveal steps */
.reveal-step-1, .reveal-step-2, .reveal-step-3, .reveal-step-4 {
  opacity: 0;
  transform: translateY(20px);
  animation: fadeUpReveal 0.7s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1) forwards;
}

/* Sequence Delays: 1.5s Initial Pause */
.reveal-step-1 { animation-delay: 1.5s; } /* Label */
.reveal-step-2 { animation-delay: 1.8s; } /* Headline */
.reveal-step-3 { animation-delay: 2.0s; } /* Subtext */
.reveal-step-4 { animation-delay: 2.2s; } /* CTA Buttons */

@keyframes fadeUpReveal {
  0% {
    opacity: 0;
    transform: translateY(20px);
  }
  100% {
    opacity: 1;
    transform: translateY(0);
  }
}

/* Ensure background contrast increases slightly as text arrives */
.home-hero-animated__overlay {
  background: radial-gradient(circle at center, rgba(10, 15, 28, 0.4), rgba(10, 15, 28, 0.8)) !important;
  transition: background 1.5s ease-in-out;
}

/* Optional: Slight pulse to the video intro */
.video-full-bg {
  animation: introBrightness 2s ease-out forwards;
}

@keyframes introBrightness {
  0% { filter: brightness(0.6); }
  100% { filter: brightness(1); }
}


/* ============================================================
   FINAL HERO OVERLAY & CENTERING
   ============================================================ */
.home-hero-animated {
  position: relative !important;
  min-height: 100vh !important;
  display: flex !important;
  align-items: center !important;
  justify-content: center !important;
  overflow: hidden !important;
  background-color: #050a14 !important; /* Deep dark fallback */
  text-align: center !important;
}

.home-hero-animated__bg {
  position: absolute !important;
  inset: 0 !important;
  width: 100% !important;
  height: 100% !important;
  z-index: 0 !important;
}

.home-hero-animated__bg img, 
.home-hero-animated__bg video {
  width: 100% !important;
  height: 100% !important;
  object-fit: cover !important;
  filter: brightness(0.8) contrast(1.1) !important;
}

.home-hero-animated__overlay {
  position: absolute !important;
  inset: 0 !important;
  background: radial-gradient(circle at center, rgba(10, 15, 28, 0.4) 0%, rgba(10, 15, 28, 0.9) 100%) !important;
  z-index: 1 !important;
}

.home-hero-animated__container {
  position: relative !important;
  z-index: 10 !important;
  width: 100% !important;
  max-width: 1100px !important;
  margin-inline: auto !important;
  padding: var(--space-12) !important;
  display: flex !important;
  flex-direction: column !important;
  align-items: center !important;
  justify-content: center !important;
  text-align: center !important;
}

.home-hero-animated__content {
  display: flex !important;
  flex-direction: column !important;
  align-items: center !important;
  justify-content: center !important;
  width: 100% !important;
}

.home-hero-animated__title {
  font-size: clamp(2.5rem, 6vw, 4.5rem) !important;
  margin-bottom: 2rem !important;
  line-height: 1.1 !important;
}

.home-hero-animated__subtitle {
  max-width: 800px !important;
  margin-inline: auto !important;
  font-size: clamp(1.1rem, 2vw, 1.4rem) !important;
  margin-bottom: 3rem !important;
}

/* Re-applying reveal animation with proper delays */
.reveal-step-1, .reveal-step-2, .reveal-step-3, .reveal-step-4 {
  opacity: 0;
  transform: translateY(20px);
  animation: fadeUpCenter 0.8s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1) forwards;
}

.reveal-step-1 { animation-delay: 2s; } /* Label - Give time for GIF/Visual intro */
.reveal-step-2 { animation-delay: 2.3s; } /* Headline */
.reveal-step-3 { animation-delay: 2.5s; } /* Subtext */
.reveal-step-4 { animation-delay: 2.7s; } /* Buttons */

@keyframes fadeUpCenter {
  to {
    opacity: 1;
    transform: translateY(0);
  }
}


/* ============================================================
   DIGITAL SILK STYLE CONTACT PAGE
   ============================================================ */
/* ============================================================
   DIGITAL SILK STYLE CONTACT PAGE
   ============================================================ */
.contact-digital-style {
  background: #0B0C0E;
  padding-top: 80px; /* offset navbar */
}

.contact-hero-split {
  display: flex;
  min-height: calc(100vh - 80px);
}

/* LEFT SIDE */
.contact-hero-left {
  flex: 1.1;
  background: #0B0C0E;
  position: relative;
  overflow: hidden;
  padding: 80px 100px;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  justify-content: center;
}

.contact-hero-left__content {
  position: relative;
  z-index: 2;
  max-width: 600px;
}

.contact-hero-left__title {
  font-family: var(--font-display);
  font-size: clamp(2.5rem, 5vw, 4rem);
  font-weight: 800;
  line-height: 1.1;
  margin-bottom: 60px;
  color: #FFFFFF;
}

.contact-hero-left__title span {
  display: block;
  color: #60A5FA;
  text-shadow: 0 0 30px rgba(96, 165, 250, 0.4);
}

.contact-hero-left__features {
  display: flex;
  gap: 30px;
  margin-bottom: 60px;
}

.feature-col {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  border-left: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.1);
  padding-left: 15px;
}

.feature-col__title {
  color: #ffffff;
  font-weight: 700;
  font-size: 1.1rem;
}

.feature-col__desc {
  color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.6);
  font-weight: 400;
  font-size: 1rem;
}

.contact-hero-left__trust {
  margin-top: 40px;
}

.trust-label {
  display: block;
  font-size: 0.75rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: #60A5FA;
  letter-spacing: 0.15em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  margin-bottom: 12px;
}

.trust-line {
  height: 2px;
  width: 40px;
  background: #60A5FA;
  margin-bottom: 24px;
}

.trust-marks {
  display: flex;
  gap: 32px;
}

.trust-mark {
  color: #ffffff;
  font-weight: 700;
  font-size: 1.1rem;
  line-height: 1.1;
  font-family: var(--font-display);
  opacity: 0.6;
}

/* Abstract animated element */
.animated-gradient-sphere {
  position: absolute;
  top: 10%;
  right: -10%;
  width: 600px;
  height: 600px;
  background: radial-gradient(circle, rgba(37, 99, 235, 0.1) 0%, transparent 70%);
  border-radius: 50%;
  animation: floatSphere 15s ease-in-out infinite alternate;
  z-index: 1;
  pointer-events: none;
}

@keyframes floatSphere {
  0% { transform: translate(0, 0) scale(1); }
  100% { transform: translate(-30px, 30px) scale(1.1); }
}

/* RIGHT SIDE */
.contact-hero-right {
  flex: 0.9;
  background: #111827; /* Updated column color to match reference image dark navy */
  padding: 80px 100px;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  justify-content: center;
  position: relative;
}

.contact-hero-right::before {
  content: '';
  position: absolute;
  inset: 0;
  background-image: 
    linear-gradient(rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.02) 1px, transparent 1px),
    linear-gradient(90deg, rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.02) 1px, transparent 1px);
  background-size: 50px 50px;
  opacity: 0.5;
}

.contact-form-container {
  max-width: 500px;
  width: 100%;
  position: relative;
  z-index: 2;
}

.contact-form-title {
  font-family: var(--font-display);
  font-size: 2.2rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: #FFFFFF;
  margin-bottom: 48px;
}

.digital-form {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  gap: 32px;
}

.digital-input-group {
  position: relative;
}

.digital-input {
  width: 100%;
  padding: 12px 0;
  border: none;
  border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.15);
  background: transparent;
  font-size: 1.1rem;
  color: #FFFFFF;
  outline: none;
  transition: all 0.3s ease;
  font-family: var(--font-primary);
}

.digital-input::placeholder {
  color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.3);
  font-weight: 400;
}

.digital-input:focus {
  border-bottom-color: #60A5FA;
}

.submit-wrapper {
  margin-top: 32px;
}

.digital-submit {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 12px;
  padding: 16px 40px;
  background: #2563EB;
  color: #FFFFFF;
  font-weight: 700;
  font-size: 1rem;
  border: none;
  border-radius: 999px;
  cursor: pointer;
  transition: all 0.3s cubic-bezier(0.165, 0.84, 0.44, 1);
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.1em;
  box-shadow: 0 10px 30px rgba(37, 99, 235, 0.2);
}

.digital-submit:hover {
  background: #1D4ED8;
  transform: translateY(-2px);
  box-shadow: 0 15px 40px rgba(37, 99, 235, 0.3);
}


/* RESPONSIVE */
@media (max-width: 1024px) {
  .contact-hero-split {
    flex-direction: column;
  }
  
  .contact-hero-left, .contact-hero-right {
    padding: 60px 30px;
  }
  
  .contact-hero-left__features {
    flex-direction: column;
    gap: 20px;
  }
  
  .feature-col {
    border-left: none;
    border-top: 2px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.1);
    padding-left: 0;
    padding-top: 10px;
  }
  
  .trust-marks {
    flex-wrap: wrap;
    gap: 20px;
  }
}


/* ============================================================
   PREMIUM MARQUEE TICKER (TRUST STRIP)
   ============================================================ */
.premium-ticker-section {
  width: 100%;
  overflow: hidden;
  background: var(--color-neutral-50); /* Subtle light background */
  padding: var(--space-6) 0;
  border-top: 1px solid var(--border-subtle);
  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--border-subtle);
  position: relative;
  display: flex;
}

/* Gradient masks for smooth fade in/out at edges */
.premium-ticker-section::before,
.premium-ticker-section::after {
  content: '';
  position: absolute;
  top: 0;
  bottom: 0;
  width: 15%;
  z-index: 2;
  pointer-events: none;
}

.premium-ticker-section::before {
  left: 0;
  background: linear-gradient(to right, var(--color-neutral-50) 0%, transparent 100%);
}

.premium-ticker-section::after {
  right: 0;
  background: linear-gradient(to left, var(--color-neutral-50) 0%, transparent 100%);
}

.premium-ticker-track {
  display: flex;
  width: max-content;
  animation: marquee-scroll 40s linear infinite;
}

.premium-ticker-track:hover {
  animation-play-state: paused;
}

.premium-ticker-content {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: space-around;
}

.premium-ticker-item {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: var(--space-3);
  padding: 0 var(--space-8);
  white-space: nowrap;
}

.ticker-icon {
  width: 20px;
  height: 20px;
  color: var(--color-primary-500); /* Blue accent */
  flex-shrink: 0;
}

.ticker-text {
  font-family: var(--font-primary);
  font-size: var(--text-base);
  font-weight: 500;
  color: var(--color-neutral-900); /* Dark navy/black */
  letter-spacing: -0.01em;
}

.ticker-separator {
  width: 4px;
  height: 4px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  background-color: var(--color-neutral-300);
}

@keyframes marquee-scroll {
  0% { transform: translateX(0); }
  100% { transform: translateX(-50%); } 
  /* -50% because the track contains TWO identical width blocks. Moving 50% shifts it exactly one full block cycle. */
}

@media (max-width: 768px) {
  .ticker-text {
    font-size: var(--text-sm);
  }
  .ticker-icon {
    width: 18px;
    height: 18px;
  }
}

/* ============================================================
   UTILITY CONCEPT REFINEMENT
   ============================================================ */

/* Navbar (Utility Style) */
/* ============================================================
   REFINED NAVBAR DESIGN (GLOBAL)
   ============================================================ */

.u-navbar {
  position: fixed;
  top: 0;
  left: 0;
  width: 100%;
  z-index: 1000;
  padding: 32px 0;
  background: transparent;
  display: flex;
  justify-content: center;
  transition: all 0.6s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);
}

.u-navbar.scrolled {
  padding: 24px 0;
}

.u-navbar__inner {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: space-between;
  width: 90%;
  max-width: 1400px;
  transition: all 0.6s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);
}

.u-navbar.scrolled .u-navbar__inner {
  background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.9);
  backdrop-filter: blur(30px);
  -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(30px);
  padding: 10px 40px;
  border-radius: 100px;
  max-width: 1100px;
  border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.4);
  box-shadow: 0 20px 50px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.08);
}

.u-navbar__brand {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  text-decoration: none;
  margin-right: 16px; /* breathing space before first menu item */
  flex-shrink: 0;
}

.nav-logo-img {
  height: 150px;
  min-height: 150px;
  width: auto;
  filter: brightness(0) invert(1);
  transition: filter 0.6s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);
  display: block;
  object-fit: contain;
  vertical-align: middle;
  margin: -50px 0;
}

.u-navbar.scrolled .nav-logo-img {
  filter: none;
  height: 115px;
  min-height: 115px;
  margin: -36px 0;
}

.u-navbar__links {
  display: flex;
  gap: 28px;
  align-items: center;
}

.u-navbar__link {
  color: #fff;
  font-size: 12px;
  font-weight: 650;
  text-decoration: none;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.12em;
  opacity: 0.7;
  transition: all 0.3s;
  padding: 8px 12px;
}

.u-navbar__link:hover,
.u-navbar__link.active {
  opacity: 1;
}

.u-navbar.scrolled .u-navbar__link {
  color: #000;
  opacity: 0.6;
}

.u-navbar.scrolled .u-navbar__link:hover,
.u-navbar.scrolled .u-navbar__link.active {
  opacity: 1;
  color: #000;
}

.u-navbar__actions {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 24px;
}

.u-navbar__cta {
  color: #fff;
  font-size: 11px;
  font-weight: 700;
  text-decoration: none;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.1em;
  padding: 8px 16px;
  border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.3);
  border-radius: 100px;
  transition: all 0.3s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);
  white-space: nowrap;
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  line-height: 1;
}

.u-navbar__cta:hover {
  background: #fff;
  color: #000;
}

.u-navbar.scrolled .u-navbar__cta {
  color: #000;
  border-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.12);
  padding: 7px 14px;
  font-size: 10px;
}

.u-navbar.scrolled .u-navbar__cta:hover {
  background: #000;
  color: #fff;
  border-color: #000;
}

.u-navbar__hamburger {
  background: none;
  border: none;
  cursor: pointer;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  gap: 5px;
}

.u-navbar__hamburger span {
  display: block;
  width: 20px;
  height: 1.5px;
  background-color: #fff;
  transition: all 0.6s;
}

.u-navbar.scrolled .u-navbar__hamburger span {
  background-color: #000;
}


/* Hero Section */
.u-hero {
  position: relative;
  min-height: 100vh;
  background-color: #0b0c0e;
  overflow: visible;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  color: #fff;
  padding-top: 120px;
}

.u-hero__bg {
  position: absolute;
  inset: 0;
  z-index: 1;
  pointer-events: none;
}

.u-hero__bg-video-wrap {
  position: absolute;
  top: 0;
  left: 0;
  width: 100%;
  height: 65%; /* covers upper portion, leaves lower portion clean */
  z-index: 0;
  overflow: hidden;
}

.u-hero__bg-video {
  width: 100%;
  height: 100%;
  object-fit: cover;
}

.u-hero__bg-video-overlay {
  position: absolute;
  inset: 0;
  background: linear-gradient(
    to bottom,
    rgba(11, 12, 14, 0.4) 0%,
    rgba(11, 12, 14, 0.7) 60%,
    #0b0c0e 100%
  );
}

.u-hero__grid {
  position: absolute;
  inset: 0;
  background-image: 
    linear-gradient(rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.03) 1px, transparent 1px),
    linear-gradient(90deg, rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.03) 1px, transparent 1px);
  background-size: 100px 100px;
  background-position: center;
}

.u-hero__curves {
  position: absolute;
  width: 100%;
  height: 100%;
}

.u-hero__top-container {
  flex-grow: 1;
  position: relative;
  z-index: 2;
  width: 100%;
  max-width: 1400px;
  margin: 0 auto;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  padding: 0 5%;
  min-height: 85vh; /* Allow top content to center properly before scrolling to mid */
}

.u-hero__content {
  flex: 0 0 auto;
  max-width: 660px;
  width: 100%;
}

.u-hero__headline {
  font-family: var(--font-display, sans-serif);
  font-size: clamp(2.8rem, 5.5vw, 4rem);
  font-weight: 600;
  letter-spacing: -0.03em;
  line-height: 1.08;
  margin-bottom: 20px;
}

.u-hero__headline--tight {
  font-weight: 800;
  font-size: clamp(2.8rem, 5.5vw, 4rem);
  line-height: 1.05;
  letter-spacing: -0.03em;
  margin-bottom: 20px;
}

.u-hero__headline-line {
  display: block;
  color: #ffffff;
}

.u-hero__dynamic-wrap {
  display: block;
  position: relative;
  height: 1em;
  overflow: hidden;
  color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.3);
}

.u-hero__dynamic {
  position: absolute;
  top: 0;
  left: 0;
  opacity: 0;
  transform: translateY(30px);
  transition: opacity 0.6s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1), 
              transform 0.6s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);
  white-space: nowrap;
  color: #93C5FD;
}

.u-hero__dynamic.active {
  opacity: 1;
  transform: translateY(0);
}

.u-hero__dynamic.exit {
  opacity: 0;
  transform: translateY(-30px);
}

.u-hero__subheadline {
  font-size: 1.05rem;
  color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.5);
  margin-bottom: 28px;
  line-height: 1.6;
  max-width: 100%;
  font-weight: 400;
}

.u-hero__trust-badge {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 12px;
  background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.03);
  border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.05);
  padding: 10px 16px;
  border-radius: 4px;
  margin-bottom: 40px;
  font-size: 0.85rem;
  color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);
}

.u-trust-icon {
  width: 16px;
  height: 16px;
  color: #10b981;
}

.u-hero__actions {
  display: flex;
  gap: 16px;
  margin-bottom: 20px;
}

.u-btn {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  padding: 14px 28px;
  font-weight: 500;
  text-decoration: none;
  border-radius: 40px;
  transition: all 0.3s ease;
  font-size: 15px;
}

.u-btn--dark {
  background-color: #222;
  color: #fff;
  border: 1px solid #333;
}

.u-btn--dark:hover {
  background-color: #333;
}

.u-btn--ghost {
  background-color: transparent;
  color: #fff;
}

.u-btn--ghost:hover {
  color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);
}

/* Mid Section */
.u-hero__mid-container {
  position: relative;
  z-index: 2;
  width: 100%;
  max-width: 1400px;
  margin: 0 auto 60px;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: space-between;
  padding: 0 5%;
  gap: 6%;
}

.u-hero__mid-left {
  flex: 0 0 42%;
}

.u-hero__m-wrapper {
  position: relative;
  width: 100%;
  aspect-ratio: 1; /* Make it a square box to fit the geometric M clip-path */
  clip-path: url(#m-mask);
  -webkit-clip-path: url(#m-mask);
  background-color: #111;
  transition: transform 0.8s ease;
}

.u-hero__m-wrapper:hover {
  transform: scale(1.02);
}

.u-hero__m-video {
  width: 100%;
  height: 100%;
  object-fit: cover;
  opacity: 0.9;
}

.u-hero__m-overlay {
  position: absolute;
  inset: 0;
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(11, 12, 14, 0.1) 0%, rgba(11, 12, 14, 0.4) 100%);
  pointer-events: none;
}

.u-hero__mid-right {
  flex: 0 0 50%;
}

.u-hero__mid-title {
  font-family: var(--font-display, sans-serif);
  font-size: clamp(2rem, 3vw, 2.5rem);
  font-weight: 500;
  color: #fff;
  letter-spacing: -0.02em;
  margin-bottom: 20px;
  line-height: 1.25;
}

.u-hero__mid-desc {
  font-size: 1.125rem;
  color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.6);
  margin-bottom: 32px;
  line-height: 1.6;
}

.u-hero__services-list {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
  gap: 16px;
  margin-bottom: 32px;
}

.u-service-item {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 12px;
  color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);
  text-decoration: none;
  font-size: 1rem;
  font-weight: 500;
  padding: 16px 20px;
  border-radius: 8px;
  background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.02);
  border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.04);
  transition: all 0.3s ease;
}

.u-service-item:hover {
  background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.05);
  color: #fff;
  transform: translateY(-2px);
  border-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.15);
}

.u-service-icon {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  width: 24px;
  height: 24px;
  color: #93C5FD;
}

.u-service-icon svg {
  width: 20px;
  height: 20px;
}

.u-hero__mid-note {
  font-size: 0.95rem;
  color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.4);
  margin-bottom: 24px;
  font-style: italic;
}

.u-hero__all-services {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  font-size: 1.05rem;
  font-weight: 500;
  color: #93C5FD;
  text-decoration: none;
  transition: all 0.3s ease;
}

.u-hero__all-services:hover {
  color: #fff;
  transform: translateX(4px);
}

/* Technologies We Work With Strip */
.u-tech-strip {
  position: relative;
  z-index: 2;
  width: 100%;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  background: #ffffff;
  border-top: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05);
}

.u-tech-strip__left {
  flex: 0 0 260px;
  padding: 40px;
  border-right: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05);
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
}

.u-tech-strip__title {
  font-family: var(--font-display, sans-serif);
  font-size: 0.85rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: rgba(11, 12, 14, 0.6);
  letter-spacing: 0.08em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  line-height: 1.5;
}

.u-tech-strip__right {
  flex: 1;
  overflow: hidden;
  position: relative;
  padding: 40px 0;
}

/* Fade edges */
.u-tech-strip__right::before,
.u-tech-strip__right::after {
  content: '';
  position: absolute;
  top: 0;
  bottom: 0;
  width: 80px;
  z-index: 3;
  pointer-events: none;
}

.u-tech-strip__right::before {
  left: 0;
  background: linear-gradient(to right, #ffffff 0%, transparent 100%);
}

.u-tech-strip__right::after {
  right: 0;
  background: linear-gradient(to left, #ffffff 0%, transparent 100%);
}

.u-tech-strip__marquee {
  overflow: hidden;
  width: 100%;
}

.u-tech-strip__track {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 72px;
  width: max-content;
  animation: tech-marquee 35s linear infinite;
}

.u-tech-strip__track:hover {
  animation-play-state: paused;
}

.u-tech-logo {
  flex-shrink: 0;
  opacity: 1;
}

.u-tech-logo img {
  height: 48px;
  width: auto;
  max-width: 180px;
  object-fit: contain;
  display: block;
}

@keyframes tech-marquee {
  0% { transform: translateX(0); }
  100% { transform: translateX(-50%); }
}

/* Responsiveness */
@media (max-width: 1024px) {
  .u-hero__headline {
    font-size: clamp(3rem, 6vw, 5rem);
  }
  .u-hero__services-list {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr;
  }
  .u-tech-strip {
    flex-direction: column;
  }
  .u-tech-strip__left {
    flex: none;
    width: 100%;
    border-right: none;
    border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05);
    padding: 30px 40px 20px;
    justify-content: center;
    text-align: center;
  }
  .u-tech-strip__right {
    width: 100%;
    padding: 40px 0;
  }
}

@media (max-width: 768px) {
  .u-navbar {
    padding: 20px 5%;
  }
  .u-navbar__links {
    display: none;
  }
  
  .u-hero {
    padding-top: 100px;
  }
  
  .u-hero__top-container {
    flex-direction: column;
    justify-content: center;
    min-height: auto;
    margin-bottom: 60px;
  }
  
  .u-hero__mid-container {
    flex-direction: column;
    gap: 40px;
    margin-bottom: 40px;
  }
  
  .u-hero__mid-left, .u-hero__mid-right {
    flex: 0 0 100%;
    width: 100%;
  }
  
  .u-hero__m-wrapper {
    max-width: 400px;
    margin: 0 auto;
  }
  
  .u-logos-track {
    justify-content: center;
    gap: 40px;
  }
}

/* ============================================================
   EXPERTISE SECTION (WHAT WE DO)
   ============================================================ */
.u-expertise {
  position: relative;
  background-color: #ffffff;
  color: #0b0c0e;
  padding: 100px 0 140px 5%;
  display: flex;
  justify-content: space-between;
  overflow: hidden;
}

.u-expertise__left {
  flex: 0 0 35%;
  max-width: 500px;
  padding-right: 40px;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  justify-content: center;
}

.u-expertise__eyebrow {
  display: block;
  font-family: var(--font-primary, sans-serif);
  font-size: 13px;
  font-weight: 500;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.1em;
  color: #64748B;
  margin-bottom: 16px;
}

.u-expertise__title {
  font-family: var(--font-display, sans-serif);
  font-size: clamp(2.5rem, 4vw, 3.5rem);
  font-weight: 500;
  letter-spacing: -0.02em;
  margin-bottom: 24px;
  line-height: 1.15;
}

.u-expertise__desc {
  font-size: 1.05rem;
  color: rgba(11, 12, 14, 0.7);
  line-height: 1.7;
  margin-bottom: 40px;
  max-width: 500px;
}

.u-expertise__cta {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  font-size: 1.05rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  color: #0b0c0e;
  text-decoration: none;
  border-bottom: 1px solid #0b0c0e;
  padding-bottom: 4px;
  transition: all 0.3s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);
  width: max-content;
}

.u-expertise__cta:hover {
  transform: translateX(6px);
  border-bottom-color: transparent;
}

.u-expertise__right {
  flex: 0 0 60%;
  position: relative;
}

.u-expertise__slider {
  display: flex;
  flex-wrap: nowrap;
  gap: 40px;
  overflow-x: auto;
  scroll-snap-type: x mandatory;
  padding-bottom: 20px;
  scrollbar-width: none; 
  margin-right: -10vw;
  padding-right: 10vw;
}
.u-expertise__slider::-webkit-scrollbar {
  display: none;
}

.u-tile {
  flex: 0 0 calc(70% - 20px);
  min-width: 380px;
  max-width: 500px;
  scroll-snap-align: start;
  position: relative;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  justify-content: flex-start;
  text-decoration: none;
  background-color: transparent;
}

.u-tile:nth-child(3) {
  flex: 0 0 calc(70% - 20px);
  min-height: auto;
}

.u-tile__bg-wrap {
  position: relative;
  width: 100%;
  aspect-ratio: 4/5;
  margin-bottom: 24px;
}

.u-tile__bg {
  width: 100%;
  height: 100%;
  object-fit: cover;
  border-radius: 0;
  transition: border-radius 0.4s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1), transform 0.6s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);
}

.u-tile__overlay {
  display: none;
}

.u-tile__content {
  position: relative;
  padding: 0 12px;
}

.u-tile__title {
  font-family: var(--font-primary, sans-serif);
  font-size: 1.35rem;
  font-weight: 500;
  color: #64748B;
  margin-bottom: 8px;
}

.u-tile__desc {
  font-family: var(--font-display, sans-serif);
  font-size: clamp(1.4rem, 2vw, 1.8rem);
  font-weight: 500;
  color: #0b0c0e;
  line-height: 1.25;
}

.u-tile__arrow {
  position: absolute;
  bottom: -15px;
  left: 20px;
  z-index: 10;
  width: 48px;
  height: 48px;
  background-color: #F1F5F9;
  color: #0b0c0e;
  border-radius: 50%;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  font-size: 1.2rem;
  box-shadow: 0 4px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.05);
  transition: all 0.4s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);
}

.u-tile:hover .u-tile__bg {
  border-radius: 20px;
  transform: scale(1.02);
}

.u-tile:hover .u-tile__arrow {
  background-color: #fff;
  box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0,0,0,0.1);
  transform: scale(1.1) rotate(-45deg);
}

@media (max-width: 1024px) {
  .u-expertise {
    flex-direction: column;
    padding: 80px 5% 100px;
  }
  .u-expertise__left {
    flex: 0 0 100%;
    max-width: 100%;
    padding-right: 0;
    margin-bottom: 60px;
  }
  .u-expertise__slider {
    padding-right: 0;
  }
  .u-expertise__right {
    flex: 0 0 100%;
    width: 100vw;
    margin-left: -5%;
    padding-left: 5%;
  }
}

@media (max-width: 768px) {
  .u-tile {
    min-width: 85vw;
  }
}

/* ============================================================
   WHY MERLIN SECTION (PREMIUM WHITE - REFERENCE STYLE)
   ============================================================ */
.u-why-merlin {
  position: relative;
  background-color: #ffffff;
  color: #0b0c0e;
  padding: 120px 0 120px 5%;
  display: flex;
  justify-content: space-between;
  overflow: hidden;
  border-top: 1px solid #f1f5f9;
}

.u-why-merlin__left {
  flex: 0 0 35%;
  max-width: 500px;
  padding-right: 40px;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  justify-content: center;
}

.u-why-merlin__eyebrow {
  display: block;
  font-family: var(--font-primary, sans-serif);
  font-size: 13px;
  font-weight: 500;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.1em;
  color: #64748B;
  margin-bottom: 16px;
}

.u-why-merlin__title {
  font-family: var(--font-display, sans-serif);
  font-size: clamp(2.5rem, 4vw, 3.5rem);
  font-weight: 500;
  letter-spacing: -0.02em;
  margin-bottom: 24px;
  line-height: 1.15;
  color: #0b0c0e;
}

.u-why-merlin__intro {
  font-size: 1.125rem;
  color: #475569;
  line-height: 1.6;
  margin-bottom: 48px;
}

.u-why-merlin__list {
  list-style: none;
  padding: 0;
  margin: 0;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  gap: 20px;
}

.u-why-merlin__list li {
  display: flex;
  align-items: flex-start;
  gap: 16px;
  font-size: 1.05rem;
  color: #334155;
  line-height: 1.5;
}

.u-why-merlin__list svg {
  flex-shrink: 0;
  width: 20px;
  height: 20px;
  color: #0b0c0e;
  margin-top: 4px;
}

.u-why-merlin__right {
  flex: 0 0 60%;
  position: relative;
}

.u-why-merlin__slider {
  display: flex;
  flex-wrap: nowrap;
  gap: 40px;
  overflow-x: auto;
  scroll-snap-type: x mandatory;
  padding-bottom: 20px;
  scrollbar-width: none;
  margin-right: -10vw;
  padding-right: 10vw;
}

.u-why-merlin__slider::-webkit-scrollbar {
  display: none;
}

.u-why-tile {
  flex: 0 0 calc(70% - 20px);
  min-width: 380px;
  max-width: 500px;
  scroll-snap-align: start;
  position: relative;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  justify-content: flex-start;
  text-decoration: none;
  background-color: transparent;
}

.u-why-tile__bg-wrap {
  position: relative;
  width: 100%;
  aspect-ratio: 4/5;
  margin-bottom: 24px;
}

.u-why-tile__bg {
  width: 100%;
  height: 100%;
  object-fit: cover;
  border-radius: 0;
  transition: border-radius 0.4s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1), transform 0.6s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);
}

.u-why-tile__content {
  position: relative;
  padding: 0 12px;
}

.u-why-tile__title {
  font-family: var(--font-primary, sans-serif);
  font-size: 1.35rem;
  font-weight: 500;
  color: #64748B;
  margin-bottom: 8px;
}

.u-why-tile__desc {
  font-family: var(--font-display, sans-serif);
  font-size: clamp(1.4rem, 2vw, 1.8rem);
  font-weight: 500;
  color: #0b0c0e;
  line-height: 1.25;
}

.u-why-tile__arrow {
  position: absolute;
  bottom: -15px;
  left: 20px;
  z-index: 10;
  width: 48px;
  height: 48px;
  background-color: #F1F5F9;
  color: #0b0c0e;
  border-radius: 50%;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  font-size: 1.2rem;
  box-shadow: 0 4px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.05);
  transition: all 0.4s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);
}

.u-why-tile:hover .u-why-tile__bg {
  border-radius: 20px;
  transform: scale(1.02);
}

.u-why-tile:hover .u-why-tile__arrow {
  background-color: #fff;
  box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0,0,0,0.1);
  transform: scale(1.1) rotate(-45deg);
}

@media (max-width: 1024px) {
  .u-why-merlin {
    flex-direction: column;
    padding: 80px 5% 100px;
  }
  .u-why-merlin__left {
    flex: 0 0 100%;
    max-width: 100%;
    padding-right: 0;
    margin-bottom: 60px;
  }
  .u-why-merlin__right {
    flex: 0 0 100%;
    width: 100vw;
    margin-left: -5%;
    padding-left: 5%;
  }
}
@media (max-width: 768px) {
  .u-why-tile {
    min-width: 85vw;
  }
}

/* ============================================================
   COMPLETION MODEL SECTION (DARK - EDITORIAL)
   ============================================================ */
.u-model {
  position: relative;
  background-color: #0b0c0e;
  color: #fff;
  padding: 140px 0 140px 5%;
  display: flex;
  justify-content: space-between;
  overflow: hidden;
  border-top: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.05);
}

.u-model::before {
  content: '';
  position: absolute;
  inset: 0;
  background-image: linear-gradient(rgba(255,255,255,0.02) 1px, transparent 1px),
                    linear-gradient(90deg, rgba(255,255,255,0.02) 1px, transparent 1px);
  background-size: 80px 80px;
  pointer-events: none;
  z-index: 0;
}

.u-model__left {
  flex: 0 0 45%;
  max-width: 600px;
  padding-right: 60px;
  position: relative;
  z-index: 2;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  justify-content: center;
}

.u-model__eyebrow {
  display: inline-block;
  font-family: var(--font-primary, sans-serif);
  font-size: 13px;
  font-weight: 500;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.12em;
  color: #94A3B8;
  margin-bottom: 20px;
}

.u-model__title {
  font-family: var(--font-display, sans-serif);
  font-size: clamp(3rem, 5vw, 4.5rem);
  font-weight: 500;
  letter-spacing: -0.02em;
  line-height: 1.1;
  color: #ffffff;
  margin-bottom: 32px;
}

.u-model__copy p {
  font-size: 1.125rem;
  color: #94A3B8;
  line-height: 1.6;
  margin-bottom: 24px;
}
.u-model__copy p:last-child {
  margin-bottom: 32px;
}

.u-model__micro {
  font-size: 0.9rem;
  color: #64748B;
  font-style: italic;
  font-weight: 400;
  margin-bottom: 60px;
  border-left: 2px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.1);
  padding-left: 16px;
}

.u-model__list {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  gap: 16px;
  border-top: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.08); /* thin horizontal line matching ref */
  padding-top: 40px;
  margin-top: auto;
}

.u-model__list-item {
  display: flex;
  align-items: baseline;
  gap: 12px;
}

.u-model__list-num {
  font-size: 0.85rem;
  font-weight: 500;
  color: #64748B;
}

.u-model__list-text {
  font-family: var(--font-display, sans-serif);
  font-size: 2.5rem;
  letter-spacing: -0.02em;
  font-weight: 400;
  color: #ffffff;
}

.u-model__right {
  flex: 0 0 50%;
  position: relative;
  z-index: 2;
  margin-right: -5%;
}

.u-model__img-wrap {
  width: 100%;
  height: 100%;
  min-height: 700px;
  position: relative;
  overflow: hidden;
  border-radius: 0;
  transition: border-radius 0.4s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);
}

.u-model__img {
  width: 100%;
  height: 100%;
  object-fit: cover;
  transition: transform 0.8s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);
}

.u-model__img-wrap:hover {
  border-radius: 40px;
}

.u-model__img-wrap:hover .u-model__img {
  transform: scale(1.03);
}

/* Responsiveness */
@media (max-width: 1024px) {
  .u-model {
    flex-direction: column;
    padding: 80px 5%;
  }
  .u-model__left {
    flex: 0 0 100%;
    max-width: 100%;
    padding-right: 0;
    margin-bottom: 60px;
  }
  .u-model__right {
    flex: 0 0 100%;
    margin-right: 0;
  }
  .u-model__img-wrap {
    min-height: 500px;
    border-radius: 120px 0 0 120px;
  }
}

@media (max-width: 768px) {
  .u-model__title {
    font-size: 2.5rem;
  }
  .u-model__list-text {
    font-size: 2rem;
  }
  .u-model__img-wrap {
    border-radius: 80px 0 0 80px;
    min-height: 400px;
  }
}

/* ============================================================
   WHY MERLIN SECTION (PREMIUM WHITE - REFERENCE STYLE)
   ============================================================ */
.u-why-merlin {
  position: relative;
  background-color: #ffffff; /* pure white */
  color: #0b0c0e;
  padding: 120px 0 120px 5%;
  display: flex;
  justify-content: space-between;
  overflow: hidden;
  border-top: 1px solid #f1f5f9;
}

.u-why-merlin__left {
  flex: 0 0 35%;
  max-width: 500px;
  padding-right: 40px;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  justify-content: center;
}

.u-why-merlin__eyebrow {
  display: block;
  font-family: var(--font-primary, sans-serif);
  font-size: 13px;
  font-weight: 500;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.1em;
  color: #64748B; /* sophisticated muted grey/slate */
  margin-bottom: 16px;
}

.u-why-merlin__title {
  font-family: var(--font-display, sans-serif);
  font-size: clamp(2.5rem, 4vw, 3.5rem);
  font-weight: 500;
  letter-spacing: -0.02em;
  margin-bottom: 24px;
  line-height: 1.15;
  color: #0b0c0e;
}

.u-why-merlin__intro {
  font-size: 1.125rem;
  color: #475569;
  line-height: 1.6;
  margin-bottom: 48px;
}

.u-why-merlin__list {
  list-style: none;
  padding: 0;
  margin: 0;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  gap: 20px;
}

.u-why-merlin__list li {
  display: flex;
  align-items: flex-start;
  gap: 16px;
  font-size: 1.05rem;
  color: #334155;
  line-height: 1.5;
}

.u-why-merlin__list svg {
  flex-shrink: 0;
  width: 20px;
  height: 20px;
  color: #0b0c0e; /* bold dark */
  margin-top: 4px;
}

.u-why-merlin__right {
  flex: 0 0 60%;
  position: relative;
}

.u-why-merlin__slider {
  display: flex;
  flex-wrap: nowrap;
  gap: 40px;
  overflow-x: auto;
  scroll-snap-type: x mandatory;
  padding-bottom: 20px;
  scrollbar-width: none;
  margin-right: -10vw;
  padding-right: 10vw;
}

.u-why-merlin__slider::-webkit-scrollbar {
  display: none;
}

.u-why-tile {
  flex: 0 0 calc(70% - 20px);
  min-width: 380px;
  max-width: 500px;
  scroll-snap-align: start;
  position: relative;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  justify-content: flex-start;
  text-decoration: none;
  background-color: transparent;
}

.u-why-tile__bg-wrap {
  position: relative;
  width: 100%;
  aspect-ratio: 4/5;
  margin-bottom: 24px;
}

.u-why-tile__bg {
  width: 100%;
  height: 100%;
  object-fit: cover;
  border-radius: 0;
  transition: border-radius 0.4s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1), transform 0.6s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);
}

.u-why-tile__content {
  position: relative;
  padding: 0 12px;
}

.u-why-tile__title {
  font-family: var(--font-primary, sans-serif);
  font-size: 1.35rem;
  font-weight: 500;
  color: #64748B;
  margin-bottom: 8px;
}

.u-why-tile__desc {
  font-family: var(--font-display, sans-serif);
  font-size: clamp(1.4rem, 2vw, 1.8rem);
  font-weight: 500;
  color: #0b0c0e;
  line-height: 1.25;
}

.u-why-tile__arrow {
  position: absolute;
  bottom: -15px;
  left: 20px;
  z-index: 10;
  width: 48px;
  height: 48px;
  background-color: #F1F5F9;
  color: #0b0c0e;
  border-radius: 50%;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  font-size: 1.2rem;
  box-shadow: 0 4px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.05);
  transition: all 0.4s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);
}

.u-why-tile:hover .u-why-tile__bg {
  border-radius: 20px;
  transform: scale(1.02);
}

.u-why-tile:hover .u-why-tile__arrow {
  background-color: #fff;
  box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0,0,0,0.1);
  transform: scale(1.1) rotate(-45deg);
}

@media (max-width: 1024px) {
  .u-why-merlin {
    flex-direction: column;
    padding: 80px 5% 100px;
  }
  .u-why-merlin__left {
    flex: 0 0 100%;
    max-width: 100%;
    padding-right: 0;
    margin-bottom: 60px;
  }
  .u-why-merlin__right {
    flex: 0 0 100%;
    width: 100vw;
    margin-left: -5%;
    padding-left: 5%;
  }
}
@media (max-width: 768px) {
  .u-why-tile {
    min-width: 85vw;
  }
}

/* ============================================================
   FEATURED CASE STUDIES SECTION
   ============================================================ */
.u-cases {
  position: relative;
  background-color: #ffffff;
  color: #0b0c0e;
  padding: 120px 0 120px 5%;
  display: flex;
  justify-content: space-between;
  overflow: hidden;
  border-top: 1px solid #e2e8f0;
}

.u-cases__left {
  flex: 0 0 35%;
  max-width: 500px;
  padding-right: 40px;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  justify-content: center;
}

.u-cases__eyebrow {
  display: block;
  font-family: var(--font-primary, sans-serif);
  font-size: 13px;
  font-weight: 500;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.1em;
  color: #64748B;
  margin-bottom: 20px;
}

.u-cases__title {
  font-family: var(--font-display, sans-serif);
  font-size: clamp(2.5rem, 4vw, 3.5rem);
  font-weight: 500;
  letter-spacing: -0.02em;
  margin-bottom: 24px;
  line-height: 1.15;
  color: #0b0c0e;
}

.u-cases__copy {
  font-size: 1.125rem;
  color: #475569;
  line-height: 1.6;
  margin-bottom: 40px;
}

.u-cases__cta {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  font-size: 1.05rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  color: #0b0c0e;
  text-decoration: none;
  border-bottom: 1px solid #0b0c0e;
  padding-bottom: 4px;
  transition: all 0.3s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);
  width: max-content;
}

.u-cases__cta:hover {
  transform: translateX(6px);
  border-bottom-color: transparent;
}

.u-cases__right {
  flex: 0 0 60%;
  position: relative;
}

.u-cases__slider {
  display: flex;
  flex-wrap: nowrap;
  gap: 32px;
  overflow-x: auto;
  scroll-snap-type: x mandatory;
  padding-bottom: 40px;
  scrollbar-width: none;
  margin-right: -10vw;
  padding-right: 15vw; /* Show partial next card */
}

.u-cases__slider::-webkit-scrollbar {
  display: none;
}

/* Card Styling */
.u-cases-card {
  flex: 0 0 calc(70% - 16px);
  min-width: 360px;
  max-width: 480px;
  scroll-snap-align: start;
  text-decoration: none;
  background-color: transparent;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  transition: transform 0.6s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1), box-shadow 0.6s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);
  border-radius: 0;
}

.u-cases-card__img-wrap {
  width: 100%;
  aspect-ratio: 4/3;
  overflow: hidden;
  position: relative;
  border-radius: 0; /* Default sharp */
  transition: border-radius 0.4s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1), box-shadow 0.6s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);
  margin-bottom: 24px;
}

.u-cases-card__img {
  width: 100%;
  height: 100%;
  object-fit: cover;
  transition: transform 0.8s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);
}

.u-cases-card__icon {
  position: absolute;
  right: -24px;
  bottom: 24px;
  width: 56px;
  height: 56px;
  background-color: #ffffff;
  color: #0b0c0e;
  border-radius: 50%;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0,0,0,0.1);
  opacity: 0;
  transform: translateX(-20px) scale(0.9);
  transition: all 0.5s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);
  z-index: 5;
}

.u-cases-card__svg {
  width: 24px;
  height: 24px;
}

.u-cases-card__content {
  padding: 0;
  transition: transform 0.6s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);
}

.u-cases-card__title {
  font-family: var(--font-display, sans-serif);
  font-size: clamp(1.4rem, 2vw, 1.8rem);
  font-weight: 500;
  color: #0b0c0e;
  margin-bottom: 12px;
  line-height: 1.2;
}

.u-cases-card__desc {
  font-size: 1.05rem;
  color: #64748B;
  line-height: 1.6;
}

/* Hover States */
.u-cases-card:hover {
  transform: translateY(-8px); /* lift */
}

.u-cases-card:hover .u-cases-card__img-wrap {
  border-radius: 20px; /* transition to rounded */
  box-shadow: 0 20px 40px rgba(0,0,0,0.08); /* subtle shadow */
}

.u-cases-card:hover .u-cases-card__img {
  transform: scale(1.05); /* slight zoom */
}

.u-cases-card:hover .u-cases-card__icon {
  opacity: 1;
  right: 24px;
  transform: translateX(0) scale(1);
}

/* Responsiveness */
@media (max-width: 1024px) {
  .u-cases {
    flex-direction: column;
    padding: 80px 5% 100px;
  }
  .u-cases__left {
    flex: 0 0 100%;
    max-width: 100%;
    padding-right: 0;
    margin-bottom: 60px;
  }
  .u-cases__right {
    flex: 0 0 100%;
    width: 100vw;
    margin-left: -5%;
    padding-left: 5%;
  }
  .u-cases__slider {
    padding-right: 5vw;
  }
}

@media (max-width: 768px) {
  .u-cases-card {
    min-width: 85vw;
  }
  .u-cases-card__icon {
    right: 16px;
    bottom: 16px;
    width: 48px;
    height: 48px;
    opacity: 1;
    transform: none;
  }
}

/* ============================================================
   ABOUT MERLIN LLC SECTION
   ============================================================ */
.u-about {
  position: relative;
  background-color: #E2E2E2; /* Faint gray background */
  color: #0b0c0e;
  padding: 100px 5% 100px 5%;
  display: flex;
  justify-content: space-between;
  align-items: center;
  overflow: hidden;
}

.u-about__left {
  flex: 0 0 45%;
  max-width: 550px;
  padding-right: 60px;
}

.u-about__eyebrow {
  display: block;
  font-family: var(--font-primary, sans-serif);
  font-size: 13px;
  font-weight: 500;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.1em;
  color: #6B7280;
  margin-bottom: 20px;
}

.u-about__title {
  font-family: var(--font-display, sans-serif);
  font-size: clamp(2.2rem, 3.5vw, 3.2rem);
  font-weight: 500;
  letter-spacing: -0.02em;
  margin-bottom: 24px;
  line-height: 1.15;
  color: #0b0c0e;
}

.u-about__copy {
  font-size: 1.125rem;
  color: #374151;
  line-height: 1.6;
  margin-bottom: 32px;
}

.u-about__list {
  list-style: none;
  padding: 0;
  margin: 0 0 48px 0;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  gap: 16px;
}

.u-about__list li {
  display: flex;
  align-items: flex-start;
  gap: 12px;
  font-size: 1.05rem;
  color: #1f2937;
  line-height: 1.5;
}

.u-about__list svg {
  flex-shrink: 0;
  width: 20px;
  height: 20px;
  color: #0b0c0e;
  margin-top: 4px;
}

.u-about__cta {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  gap: 12px;
  font-size: 1rem;
  font-weight: 500;
  color: #ffffff;
  background-color: #333333;
  padding: 14px 28px;
  border-radius: 999px; /* Pill shape */
  text-decoration: none;
  transition: all 0.3s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);
  width: max-content;
}

.u-about__cta-icon {
  width: 16px;
  height: 16px;
  transition: transform 0.3s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);
}

.u-about__cta:hover {
  background-color: #0b0c0e;
  transform: translateY(-2px);
  box-shadow: 0 8px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.15);
}

.u-about__cta:hover .u-about__cta-icon {
  transform: translateX(4px) translateY(-4px);
}

.u-about__right {
  flex: 0 0 50%;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  gap: 28px;
}

/* Carousel container */
.u-about__carousel {
  width: 100%;
  overflow: hidden;
  position: relative;
}

.u-about__carousel-track {
  display: flex;
  gap: 24px;
  transition: transform 0.5s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);
  will-change: transform;
}

/* Person tile */
.u-about__person {
  flex: 0 0 calc(50% - 12px);
  min-width: 0;
}

.u-about__person-img-wrap {
  width: 100%;
  aspect-ratio: 3/4;
  overflow: hidden;
  border-radius: 0;
  margin-bottom: 0px;
  background-color: #c4c4c4;
  transition: border-radius 0.4s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1), box-shadow 0.4s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);
}

.u-about__person-img {
  width: 100%;
  height: 100%;
  object-fit: cover;
  filter: grayscale(100%);
  transition: filter 0.5s ease, transform 0.5s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);
}

.u-about__person:hover .u-about__person-img {
  filter: grayscale(0%);
  transform: scale(1.03);
}

.u-about__person:hover .u-about__person-img-wrap {
  border-radius: 20px;
  box-shadow: 0 16px 32px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);
}

.u-about__person-name {
  font-family: var(--font-display, sans-serif);
  font-size: 1.3rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  color: #0b0c0e;
  margin-bottom: 4px;
  line-height: 1.3;
}

.u-about__person-role {
  font-family: var(--font-primary, sans-serif);
  font-size: 0.95rem;
  color: #6B7280;
  font-weight: 400;
}

/* Arrow buttons */
.u-about__arrows {
  display: flex;
  gap: 10px;
}

.u-about__arrow {
  width: 56px;
  height: 56px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  border: none;
  cursor: pointer;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  transition: all 0.3s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);
}

.u-about__arrow svg {
  width: 22px;
  height: 22px;
}

.u-about__arrow--prev {
  background-color: #B0B0B0;
  color: #ffffff;
}

.u-about__arrow--next {
  background-color: #333333;
  color: #ffffff;
}

.u-about__arrow:hover {
  transform: scale(1.08);
  box-shadow: 0 6px 16px rgba(0,0,0,0.12);
}

.u-about__arrow--prev:hover {
  background-color: #999999;
}

.u-about__arrow--next:hover {
  background-color: #0b0c0e;
}

.u-about__arrow:disabled,
.u-about__arrow[disabled] {
  opacity: 0.35;
  cursor: default;
  transform: none;
  box-shadow: none;
}

/* Responsiveness */
@media (max-width: 1024px) {
  .u-about {
    flex-direction: column;
    padding: 80px 5%;
  }
  .u-about__left {
    flex: 0 0 100%;
    max-width: 100%;
    padding-right: 0;
    margin-bottom: 60px;
  }
  .u-about__right {
    flex: 0 0 100%;
    width: 100%;
  }
}

@media (max-width: 768px) {
  .u-about__person {
    flex: 0 0 100%;
  }
  .u-about__arrow {
    width: 48px;
    height: 48px;
  }
}

/* ============================================================
   INDUSTRIES WE SUPPORT SECTION
   ============================================================ */
.u-industries {
  position: relative;
  background-color: #ffffff;
  padding: 140px 5%;
  overflow: hidden;
  border-top: 1px solid #f1f5f9;
}

.u-industries__container {
  max-width: 1400px;
  margin: 0 auto;
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr 1.1fr;
  gap: 100px;
  align-items: flex-start;
}

.u-industries__left {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
}

.u-industries__eyebrow {
  display: block;
  font-family: var(--font-primary, sans-serif);
  font-size: 13px;
  font-weight: 500;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.12em;
  color: #64748B;
  margin-bottom: 20px;
}

.u-industries__title {
  font-family: var(--font-display, sans-serif);
  font-size: clamp(2.5rem, 4.5vw, 3.8rem);
  font-weight: 500;
  letter-spacing: -0.025em;
  line-height: 1.1;
  color: #0b0c0e;
  margin-bottom: 48px;
}

.u-industries__list {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr);
  gap: 24px 40px;
  list-style: none;
  padding: 0;
  margin: 0 0 64px 0;
}

.u-industries__item {
  font-family: var(--font-primary, sans-serif);
  font-size: 1.15rem;
  font-weight: 500;
  color: #0b0c0e;
  padding-bottom: 8px;
  border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0;
  transition: all 0.3s ease;
  cursor: default;
}

.u-industries__item:hover,
.u-industries__item.active {
  color: #3b82f6;
  border-bottom-color: #3b82f6;
}

.u-industries__cta-box {
  padding: 40px;
  background-color: #f8fafc;
  border-left: 4px solid #0b0c0e;
}

.u-industries__cta-title {
  font-family: var(--font-display, sans-serif);
  font-size: 1.75rem;
  font-weight: 500;
  margin-bottom: 16px;
  color: #0b0c0e;
  line-height: 1.25;
}

.u-industries__cta-copy {
  font-size: 1.05rem;
  color: #475569;
  line-height: 1.6;
  margin-bottom: 32px;
}

.u-industries__btn {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 12px;
  font-size: 1.05rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  color: #0b0c0e;
  text-decoration: none;
  transition: all 0.3s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);
}

.u-industries__btn:hover {
  transform: translateX(8px);
}

.u-industries__right {
  position: relative;
}

.u-industries__card {
  position: relative;
  width: 100%;
  aspect-ratio: 4/5;
  overflow: hidden;
  border-radius: 0;
  transition: border-radius 0.5s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1), box-shadow 0.5s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);
}

.u-industries__card:hover {
  border-radius: 20px;
  box-shadow: 0 40px 100px rgba(0,0,0,0.12);
}

.u-industries__img {
  width: 100%;
  height: 100%;
  object-fit: cover;
  transition: transform 0.8s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1), opacity 0.5s ease;
}

.u-industries__card:hover .u-industries__img {
  transform: scale(1.04);
}

.u-industries__overlay {
  position: absolute;
  inset: 0;
  background: linear-gradient(to top, rgba(11, 12, 14, 0.3) 0%, transparent 60%);
  pointer-events: none;
}

.u-industries__icon {
  position: absolute;
  bottom: 40px;
  right: 40px;
  width: 64px;
  height: 64px;
  background-color: #ffffff;
  border-radius: 50%;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0,0,0,0.1);
  opacity: 0;
  transform: scale(0.8) translate(20px, 20px);
  transition: all 0.5s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);
}

.u-industries__card:hover .u-industries__icon {
  opacity: 1;
  transform: scale(1) translate(0, 0);
}

.u-industries__icon svg {
  width: 24px;
  height: 24px;
  color: #0b0c0e;
}

@media (max-width: 1100px) {
  .u-industries__container {
    gap: 60px;
  }
}

@media (max-width: 1024px) {
  .u-industries {
    padding: 100px 5%;
  }
  .u-industries__container {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr;
    gap: 80px;
  }
  .u-industries__right {
    order: -1; /* Image on top for tablet stack */
  }
  .u-industries__card {
    aspect-ratio: 16/9;
  }
}

@media (max-width: 768px) {
  .u-industries__list {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr;
    gap: 16px;
  }
  .u-industries__cta-box {
    padding: 30px 24px;
  }
}

/* ============================================================
   MINIMAL CTA SECTION
   ============================================================ */
.u-cta-minimal {
  position: relative;
  background-color: #E6E6E6;
  padding: 140px 5%;
  display: flex;
  justify-content: center;
  align-items: center;
  text-align: center;
}

.u-cta-minimal__content {
  max-width: 800px;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  align-items: center;
}

.u-cta-minimal__eyebrow {
  font-family: var(--font-primary, sans-serif);
  font-size: clamp(2rem, 3.5vw, 2.8rem);
  font-weight: 400;
  color: #8C8C8C; /* Light gray for eyebrow */
  margin-bottom: 8px;
  letter-spacing: -0.02em;
}

.u-cta-minimal__headline {
  font-family: var(--font-display, sans-serif);
  font-size: clamp(2.8rem, 4.5vw, 4.2rem);
  font-weight: 500;
  color: #0b0c0e;
  line-height: 1.1;
  letter-spacing: -0.03em;
  margin-bottom: 48px;
}

.u-cta-minimal__btn {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  gap: 12px;
  font-size: 1.1rem;
  font-weight: 500;
  color: #ffffff;
  background-color: #2D2D2D;
  padding: 16px 32px;
  border-radius: 999px;
  text-decoration: none;
  transition: all 0.3s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);
}

.u-cta-minimal__icon {
  width: 18px;
  height: 18px;
  transition: transform 0.3s cubic-bezier(0.16, 1, 0.3, 1);
}

.u-cta-minimal__btn:hover {
  background-color: #0b0c0e;
  transform: translateY(-2px);
  box-shadow: 0 8px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.15);
}

.u-cta-minimal__btn:hover .u-cta-minimal__icon {
  transform: translateX(4px) translateY(-4px);
}

@media (max-width: 768px) {
  .u-cta-minimal {
    padding: 100px 5%;
  }
  .u-cta-minimal__headline {
    margin-bottom: 40px;
  }
}

/* ============================================================
   CYCLE FLOW SECTION (WHY CHOOSE MERLIN LLC)
   ============================================================ */
.u-cycle-section {
  position: relative;
  background: 
    linear-gradient(rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75), rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.75)),
    url('assets/background.png');
  background-size: cover;
  background-position: center;
  background-repeat: no-repeat;
  color: #ffffff;
  padding: 120px 5%;
  overflow: hidden;
  transition: filter 0.4s ease;
}

.u-cycle-container {
  max-width: 1200px;
  margin: 0 auto;
  display: flex;
  justify-content: space-between;
  align-items: flex-start;
  gap: 80px;
}

.u-cycle__left {
  flex: 0 0 35%;
  position: sticky;
  top: 140px;
}

.u-cycle__eyebrow {
  display: block;
  font-family: var(--font-primary, sans-serif);
  font-size: 13px;
  font-weight: 500;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.1em;
  color: #10B981;
  margin-bottom: 20px;
}

.u-cycle__title {
  font-family: var(--font-display, sans-serif);
  font-size: clamp(2.5rem, 4vw, 3.5rem);
  font-weight: 500;
  letter-spacing: -0.02em;
  line-height: 1.15;
}

.u-cycle__right {
  flex: 0 0 55%;
  position: relative;
  height: 520px; /* Fixed medium height */
  overflow: hidden;
  -webkit-mask-image: linear-gradient(to bottom, transparent 0%, black 15%, black 85%, transparent 100%);
  mask-image: linear-gradient(to bottom, transparent 0%, black 15%, black 85%, transparent 100%);
}

.u-cycle-marquee {
  position: relative;
  width: 100%;
}

.u-cycle-marquee__track {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  align-items: flex-start;
  max-width: 600px;
  /* The track will translate Y up by exactly half its height containing both sets */
  animation: cycle-marquee 35s linear infinite;
  position: relative;
}

/* A constant line running behind the cards */
.u-cycle-marquee__track::before {
  content: '';
  position: absolute;
  top: 0;
  bottom: 0;
  left: 39px;
  width: 2px;
  background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.05);
  z-index: 1;
}

.u-cycle-marquee__track:hover {
  animation-play-state: paused;
}

@keyframes cycle-marquee {
  0% { transform: translateY(0); }
  100% { transform: translateY(-50%); }
}

.u-cycle-card {
  position: relative;
  z-index: 2;
  display: flex;
  align-items: flex-start;
  background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.08);
  border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.12);
  padding: 32px;
  border-radius: 12px;
  width: 100%;
  transition: transform 0.3s ease, border-color 0.3s ease;
  flex-shrink: 0;
}

.u-cycle-card:hover {
  border-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.2);
  transform: translateY(-2px);
}

.u-cycle-card--highlight {
  background: rgba(16, 185, 129, 0.05);
  border-color: rgba(16, 185, 129, 0.2);
}

.u-cycle-card__num {
  font-family: var(--font-display, sans-serif);
  font-size: 1.25rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  color: #10B981;
  margin-right: 24px;
  margin-top: 2px;
  background: #0b0c0e;
  padding: 4px 0;
}

.u-cycle-card__content {
  flex: 1;
}

.u-cycle-card__title {
  font-size: 1.25rem;
  font-weight: 500;
  margin-bottom: 8px;
  color: #ffffff;
}

.u-cycle-card__desc {
  font-size: 1.05rem;
  color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.6);
  line-height: 1.6;
}

.u-cycle-arrow {
  position: relative;
  z-index: 2;
  display: flex;
  justify-content: center;
  align-items: center;
  width: 100%;
  padding: 16px 0;
  color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.2);
  flex-shrink: 0;
}

.u-cycle-arrow svg {
  width: 24px;
  height: 24px;
}

@media (max-width: 1024px) {
  .u-cycle-container {
    flex-direction: column;
    gap: 60px;
  }
  .u-cycle__left, .u-cycle__right {
    flex: 0 0 100%;
    width: 100%;
  }
  .u-cycle__left {
    position: relative;
    top: 0;
  }
  .u-cycle__right {
    height: 480px;
  }
}

/* === Mobile Hamburger Fixes === */
.mobile-nav-right {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 10px;
}

.hamburger {
  display: none; /* Hidden on desktop */
  background: none;
  border: none;
  color: #fff; /* Match navbar text */
  transition: color 0.3s ease;
}

.u-navbar.scrolled .hamburger {
  color: #000;
}

@media (max-width: 768px) {
  .hamburger {
    width: 22px;
    height: 22px;
    cursor: pointer;
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    justify-content: center;
    z-index: 9999;
    position: relative;
    font-size: 28px;
    padding: 0;
  }

  .u-navbar__inner {
    justify-content: space-between;
  }

  .u-navbar__links.mobile-active {
    display: flex;
    flex-direction: column;
    position: absolute;
    top: 100%;
    left: 0;
    width: 100%;
    background: #0b0c0e;
    padding: 20px 0;
    border-top: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.1);
    box-shadow: 0 10px 30px rgba(0,0,0,0.5);
  }

  .u-navbar.scrolled .u-navbar__links.mobile-active {
    background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.95);
    backdrop-filter: blur(10px);
    border-top: 1px solid rgba(0,0,0,0.1);
  }

  .u-navbar__links.mobile-active .u-navbar__link {
    font-size: 16px;
    padding: 15px 20px;
    width: 100%;
    text-align: center;
  }
}


/* === Hero CTA Mobile Fixes === */
@media (max-width: 768px) {
  .u-hero__actions .u-btn--ghost {
    display: none;
  }

  .u-hero__actions .u-btn {
    display: inline-flex;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 6px;
    white-space: nowrap;
    padding: 10px 16px;
    font-size: 14px;
    align-self: flex-start;
  }
}


/* === Services Hero V2 Buttons Mobile Fixes === */
@media (max-width: 768px) {
  .services-hero-v2__actions {
    display: flex;
    flex-direction: row;
    justify-content: center;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 12px;
    flex-wrap: nowrap;
  }

  .services-hero-v2__actions .btn,
  .services-hero-v2__actions .btn-outline-white {
    white-space: nowrap;
    display: inline-flex;
    justify-content: center;
    align-items: center;
    padding: 0 16px; /* Use 0 padding on top/bottom to rely on height */
    font-size: 14px;
    height: 46px; /* Explicitly match height */
    line-height: 1;
    box-sizing: border-box;
  }
}


/* === Case Studies Mobile Filters Fix === */
@media (max-width: 768px) {
  .editorial-filters {
    margin-top: 48px;
    margin-bottom: 48px;
    padding: 0 16px;
    display: flex;
    flex-wrap: wrap;
    justify-content: center;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 12px;
  }

  .editorial-filters .filter-pill {
    flex: 0 1 auto;
    margin: 0;
    padding: 0 20px;
    height: 44px;
    display: inline-flex;
    align-items: center;
    justify-content: center;
    font-size: 14px;
    line-height: 1;
    white-space: nowrap;
    box-sizing: border-box;
  }
}