:root {
      --p: #14275c;
      --pd: #0d1b42;
      --pl: #2f57a8;
      --pp: #e9eefa;
      --ppp: #f4f7fd;
      --acc: #3a64bf;
      --acc2: #88a8e0;
      --ora: #f2a307;
      --grn: #10b981;
      --ylw: #f7b500;
      --red: #ef4444;
      --txt: #0f0e1a;
      --sub: #52525b;
      --bdr: #e4e4e7;
      --wht: #fff;
      --bg: #ffffff;
      --ig: linear-gradient(135deg, #3a64bf 0%, #14275c 100%);
      --hero-grad:
        radial-gradient(circle at 70% 30%, rgba(183, 0, 255, 0.35) 0%, transparent 22%),
        radial-gradient(circle at 82% 18%, rgba(255, 0, 153, 0.06) 0%, transparent 12%),
        radial-gradient(circle at 92% 22%, rgba(98, 0, 255, 0.22) 0%, transparent 10%),
        radial-gradient(circle at 65% 55%, rgba(111, 0, 255, 0.18) 0%, transparent 28%),
        linear-gradient(135deg, #02010a 0%, #05031a 18%, #090021 35%, #12002d 55%, #0b0220 72%, #03010d 100%);
      --soft-glow:
        radial-gradient(720px circle at 88% -8%, rgba(58, 100, 191, 0.09), transparent 55%),
        radial-gradient(640px circle at -8% 108%, rgba(124, 92, 231, 0.08), transparent 55%);
      --hero-glow:
        radial-gradient(640px circle at 16% 22%, rgba(58, 100, 191, 0.45), transparent 60%),
        radial-gradient(520px circle at 88% 78%, rgba(247, 181, 0, 0.14), transparent 55%);
      --hero-dark: linear-gradient(135deg, #02010a 0%, #05031a 18%, #090021 35%, #12002d 55%, #0b0220 72%, #03010d 100%);
    }

    * {
      margin: 0;
      padding: 0;
      box-sizing: border-box;
    }

    html {
      scroll-behavior: smooth;
      overflow-x: hidden;
    }

    body {
      font-family: "Outfit", sans-serif;
      color: var(--txt);
      background: var(--wht);
      overflow-x: hidden;
      font-size: 15px;
      line-height: 1.5;
    }

    h1,
    h2,
    h3,
    h4 {
      font-family: "Bricolage Grotesque", sans-serif;
      line-height: 1.15;
      letter-spacing: -0.03em;
    }

    /* ── GLOBAL UTILS ─────────────────── */
    .wrap {
      max-width: 1200px;
      margin: 0 auto;
      padding: 0 24px;
    }

    .lbl {
      display: inline-flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 8px;
      font-size: 0.72rem;
      font-weight: 700;
      letter-spacing: 0.14em;
      text-transform: uppercase;
      color: var(--p);
      margin-bottom: 6px;
    }

    .lbl::before {
      display: none;
    }

    /* light eyebrow on the dark Stats section */
    .stats-sec .lbl {
      color: #c7b8ff;
    }

    .stats-sec .lbl::before {
      background: #c7b8ff;
    }

    .sec-h {
      font-size: clamp(1.4rem, 2.5vw, 1.9rem);
      font-weight: 500;
      color: var(--txt);
    }

    .sec-p {
      font-size: 0.9rem;
      color: var(--sub);
      line-height: 1.65;
      margin-top: 8px;
    }

    .tag {
      display: inline-flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 5px;
      font-size: 0.72rem;
      font-weight: 600;
      padding: 4px 11px;
      border-radius: 100px;
      background: var(--pp);
      color: var(--p);
    }

    /* ── NAV ──────────────────────────── */
    nav {
      position: fixed;
      top: 0;
      left: 0;
      right: 0;
      z-index: 300;
      height: 62px;
      background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.96);
      backdrop-filter: blur(16px);
      -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(16px);
      border-bottom: 1px solid var(--bdr);
      transition: box-shadow 0.3s;
    }

    nav.sc {
      box-shadow: 0 4px 28px rgba(20, 39, 92, 0.09);
    }

    .nw {
      max-width: 1200px;
      margin: 0 auto;
      padding: 0 24px;
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      height: 100%;
      gap: 0;
    }

    .logo {
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 9px;
      text-decoration: none;
      flex-shrink: 0;
      margin-right: 36px;
    }

    .logo-sq {
      width: 34px;
      height: 34px;
      background: var(--p);
      border-radius: 8px;
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      justify-content: center;
    }

    .logo-sq svg {
      stroke: white;
    }

    .logo-name {
      font-family: "Bricolage Grotesque", sans-serif;
      font-size: 1rem;
      font-weight: 700;
      color: var(--txt);
      letter-spacing: -0.03em;
    }

    .logo-name em {
      color: var(--p);
      font-style: normal;
    }

    .nl {
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 4px;
      list-style: none;
    }

    .nl a {
      font-size: 0.82rem;
      font-weight: 500;
      color: var(--sub);
      text-decoration: none;
      padding: 6px 12px;
      border-radius: 7px;
      transition:
        color 0.2s,
        background 0.2s;
      white-space: nowrap;
    }

    .nl a:hover,
    .nl a.on {
      color: var(--p);
      background: var(--ppp);
    }

    .nr {
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 10px;
      margin-left: auto;
    }

    .n-ph {
      font-size: 0.78rem;
      font-weight: 600;
      color: var(--sub);
      text-decoration: none;
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 5px;
    }

    .n-ph:hover {
      color: var(--p);
    }

    .n-btn {
      background: var(--p);
      color: #fff;
      padding: 8px 18px;
      border-radius: 8px;
      font-size: 0.82rem;
      font-weight: 600;
      text-decoration: none;
      transition:
        background 0.2s,
        transform 0.15s;
      white-space: nowrap;
    }

    .n-btn:hover {
      background: var(--pd);
      transform: translateY(-1px);
    }

    .hbg {
      display: none;
      flex-direction: column;
      gap: 4.5px;
      cursor: pointer;
      padding: 5px;
      background: none;
      border: none;
    }

    .hbg span {
      width: 22px;
      height: 1.8px;
      background: var(--txt);
      border-radius: 2px;
      transition: all 0.3s;
    }

    .hbg.op span:nth-child(1) {
      transform: translateY(6.3px) rotate(45deg);
    }

    .hbg.op span:nth-child(2) {
      opacity: 0;
    }

    .hbg.op span:nth-child(3) {
      transform: translateY(-6.3px) rotate(-45deg);
    }

    .mm {
      display: none;
      position: fixed;
      top: 62px;
      left: 0;
      right: 0;
      background: #fff;
      z-index: 299;
      padding: 18px;
      flex-direction: column;
      gap: 2px;
      box-shadow: 0 12px 40px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1);
      transform: translateY(-10px);
      opacity: 0;
      pointer-events: none;
      transition: all 0.3s;
    }

    .mm.op {
      transform: translateY(0);
      opacity: 1;
      pointer-events: all;
    }

    .mm a {
      font-size: 0.95rem;
      font-weight: 500;
      color: var(--txt);
      text-decoration: none;
      padding: 12px 14px;
      border-radius: 9px;
      display: block;
      transition:
        background 0.2s,
        color 0.2s;
    }

    .mm a:hover {
      background: var(--ppp);
      color: var(--p);
    }

    /* ── HERO ─────────────────────────── */
    .hero {
      min-height: 92vh;
      padding: 112px 24px 88px;
      /* Main Hero Background — same framing as the other sections */
      background: var(--hero-grad);
      background-size: cover;
      background-position: center;
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      position: relative;
      overflow: hidden;
    }

    @keyframes heroShift {
      0% {
        background-position: 0% 50%;
      }

      25% {
        background-position: 100% 50%;
      }

      50% {
        background-position: 100% 100%;
      }

      75% {
        background-position: 0% 100%;
      }

      100% {
        background-position: 0% 50%;
      }
    }

    /* ambient color glows */
    .hero-glow {
      position: absolute;
      inset: 0;
      z-index: 1;
      pointer-events: none;
      background: var(--hero-glow);
      animation: glowPulse 9s ease-in-out infinite;
    }

    @keyframes glowPulse {

      0%,
      100% {
        opacity: 1;
        transform: scale(1);
      }

      50% {
        opacity: 0.65;
        transform: scale(1.12);
      }
    }

    /* drifting glow — gentle move + breathe for section accents */
    @keyframes glowDrift {

      0%,
      100% {
        opacity: 0.8;
        transform: translate(0, 0) scale(1);
      }

      50% {
        opacity: 1;
        transform: translate(26px, 18px) scale(1.14);
      }
    }

    /* slow floating ring */
    @keyframes ringFloat {

      0%,
      100% {
        opacity: 0.9;
        transform: translate(0, 0) scale(1);
      }

      50% {
        opacity: 0.5;
        transform: translate(-22px, 16px) scale(1.08);
      }
    }

    /* falling stars */
    .hero-stars {
      position: absolute;
      inset: 0;
      z-index: 3;
      pointer-events: none;
      overflow: hidden;
      transition: transform 0.25s ease-out;
    }

    .star {
      position: absolute;
      background: #fff;
      border-radius: 50%;
      opacity: 1;
      animation: twinkle var(--tw, 3s) ease-in-out infinite;
    }

    @keyframes twinkle {

      0%,
      100% {
        opacity: 0.12;
        transform: scale(0.7);
      }

      50% {
        opacity: 0.9;
        transform: scale(1.5);
      }
    }

    .shoot {
      position: absolute;
      width: 2px;
      height: 2px;
      border-radius: 50%;
      background: #fff;
      box-shadow: 0 0 8px 2px rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.55);
      animation: fall linear forwards;
    }

    .shoot::before {
      content: "";
      position: absolute;
      top: 0;
      right: 2px;
      width: 130px;
      height: 1px;
      background: linear-gradient(90deg,
          transparent,
          rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.85));
    }

    @keyframes fall {
      0% {
        transform: rotate(135deg) translateX(0);
        opacity: 0;
      }

      8% {
        opacity: 1;
      }

      88% {
        opacity: 1;
      }

      100% {
        transform: rotate(135deg) translateX(560px);
        opacity: 0;
      }
    }

    /* dark-hero text + control overrides */
    .hero .h-sub {
      color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.72);
    }

    .hero .proof-t {
      color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.72);
    }

    .hero .proof-t strong {
      color: #fff;
    }

    .hero .btn-p {
      background: linear-gradient(135deg, #ffd75a 0%, #ffc62e 45%, #f7b500 100%);
      color: #1a1206;
      font-weight: 700;
      border: 1px solid rgba(255, 240, 180, 0.6);
      box-shadow:
        0 0 0 1px rgba(255, 214, 90, 0.35),
        0 4px 18px rgba(247, 181, 0, 0.45),
        0 0 22px rgba(255, 198, 46, 0.55),
        0 0 46px rgba(247, 181, 0, 0.35);
      animation: btnGlow 2.6s ease-in-out infinite;
    }

    .hero .btn-p:hover {
      background: linear-gradient(135deg, #ffe27a 0%, #ffce45 45%, #ffbb0a 100%);
      transform: translateY(-2px);
      box-shadow:
        0 0 0 1px rgba(255, 224, 120, 0.5),
        0 6px 24px rgba(247, 181, 0, 0.55),
        0 0 34px rgba(255, 198, 46, 0.8),
        0 0 66px rgba(247, 181, 0, 0.5);
    }

    /* soft pulsing halo so the button always looks "lit" */
    @keyframes btnGlow {
      0%, 100% {
        box-shadow:
          0 0 0 1px rgba(255, 214, 90, 0.35),
          0 4px 18px rgba(247, 181, 0, 0.45),
          0 0 20px rgba(255, 198, 46, 0.45),
          0 0 40px rgba(247, 181, 0, 0.3);
      }
      50% {
        box-shadow:
          0 0 0 1px rgba(255, 214, 90, 0.5),
          0 4px 20px rgba(247, 181, 0, 0.55),
          0 0 30px rgba(255, 198, 46, 0.75),
          0 0 60px rgba(247, 181, 0, 0.45);
      }
    }

    .hero .btn-g {
      color: #fff;
      border-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.3);
    }

    .hero .btn-g:hover {
      color: #fff;
      border-color: #fff;
      background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.08);
    }

    /* image glow + glass floating card + bob */
    .h-imgs::before {
      content: "";
      position: absolute;
      inset: -34px;
      background: radial-gradient(circle,
          rgba(58, 100, 191, 0.45),
          transparent 70%);
      filter: blur(44px);
      z-index: -1;
    }

    .hero .h-floating {
      background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.1);
      backdrop-filter: blur(14px);
      -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(14px);
      border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.18);
      box-shadow: 0 10px 36px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.3);
      animation: bob 4.5s ease-in-out infinite;
    }

    @keyframes bob {

      0%,
      100% {
        transform: translateY(0);
      }

      50% {
        transform: translateY(-11px);
      }
    }

    .hero .hf-icon {
      background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--ylw), var(--ora));
    }

    .hero .hf-t .nt {
      color: #fff;
    }

    .hero .hf-t .st {
      color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.6);
    }

    @media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) {

      .hero,
      .hero-glow,
      .shoot,
      .star,
      .hero h1 .hi,
      .hero .h-floating,
      .about-sec::before,
      .stats-sec::before,
      .stats-sec::after,
      .stats-glow,
      .story-orbit,
      .place-sec::before,
      .cta-sec::before {
        animation: none;
      }
    }

    .hero-inner {
      max-width: 1200px;
      margin: 0 auto;
      display: grid;
      grid-template-columns: 1fr 520px;
      gap: 56px;
      align-items: center;
      width: 100%;
      position: relative;
      z-index: 4;
    }

    /* left-side dark wash across the whole hero background */
    .hero::before {
      content: "";
      position: absolute;
      inset: 0;
      z-index: 2;
      pointer-events: none;
      background: linear-gradient(90deg,
          rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.62) 0%,
          rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.42) 28%,
          rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.16) 50%,
          rgba(0, 0, 0, 0) 68%);
    }

    .h-eyebrow {
      display: inline-flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 8px;
      background: var(--pp);
      border: 1px solid rgba(20, 39, 92, 0.18);
      color: var(--p);
      padding: 5px 14px 5px 8px;
      border-radius: 100px;
      font-size: 0.72rem;
      font-weight: 700;
      letter-spacing: 0.06em;
      text-transform: uppercase;
      margin-bottom: 22px;
    }

    .h-dot {
      width: 20px;
      height: 20px;
      background: var(--p);
      border-radius: 50%;
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      justify-content: center;
    }

    .h-dot span {
      width: 6px;
      height: 6px;
      background: #fff;
      border-radius: 50%;
      animation: bp 2s infinite;
    }

    @keyframes bp {

      0%,
      100% {
        transform: scale(1);
      }

      50% {
        transform: scale(0.55);
      }
    }

    .hero h1 {
      font-size: clamp(1.85rem, 3.8vw, 2.95rem);
      font-weight: 500;
      color: #fff;
      margin-bottom: 18px;
    }

    .hero h1 .hi {
      display: inline-block;
      color: #f7b500;
      background: linear-gradient(100deg,
          #e8a900 0%,
          #ffe49a 26%,
          #fff6d8 46%,
          #ffd34d 62%,
          #e8a900 100%);
      background-size: 220% auto;
      -webkit-background-clip: text;
      background-clip: text;
      -webkit-text-fill-color: transparent;
      filter: drop-shadow(0 2px 9px rgba(247, 181, 0, 0.3));
      transition: opacity 0.4s ease, transform 0.4s ease;
      animation: goldSheen 4.5s linear infinite;
    }

    @keyframes goldSheen {
      0% {
        background-position: 0% center;
      }

      100% {
        background-position: 220% center;
      }
    }

    .hero h1 .hi.swap {
      opacity: 0;
      transform: translateY(10px);
    }

    .hero h1 .hi2 {
      position: relative;
      display: inline-block;
    }

    .hero h1 .hi2::after {
      content: "";
      position: absolute;
      bottom: -4px;
      left: 0;
      right: 0;
      height: 3px;
      background: linear-gradient(90deg, var(--ylw), #ffd766);
      border-radius: 2px;
      box-shadow: 0 0 8px rgba(247, 181, 0, 0.45);
    }

    .h-sub {
      font-size: 0.93rem;
      color: var(--sub);
      line-height: 1.7;
      max-width: 440px;
      margin-bottom: 30px;
    }

    .h-acts {
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 12px;
      flex-wrap: wrap;
      margin-bottom: 36px;
    }

    .btn-p {
      background: var(--p);
      color: #fff;
      padding: 11px 24px;
      border-radius: 9px;
      font-size: 0.88rem;
      font-weight: 600;
      white-space: nowrap;
      text-decoration: none;
      display: inline-flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 7px;
      transition: all 0.2s;
      box-shadow: 0 4px 18px rgba(20, 39, 92, 0.28);
    }

    .btn-p:hover {
      background: var(--pd);
      transform: translateY(-2px);
      box-shadow: 0 8px 26px rgba(20, 39, 92, 0.38);
    }

    .btn-g {
      background: transparent;
      color: var(--txt);
      padding: 10px 24px;
      border-radius: 9px;
      font-size: 0.88rem;
      font-weight: 600;
      white-space: nowrap;
      text-decoration: none;
      display: inline-flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 7px;
      border: 1.5px solid var(--bdr);
      transition: all 0.2s;
    }

    .btn-g:hover {
      border-color: var(--p);
      color: var(--p);
      background: var(--ppp);
    }

    .h-proof {
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 12px;
    }

    .avs {
      display: flex;
    }

    .avs .av {
      width: 30px;
      height: 30px;
      border-radius: 50%;
      border: 2px solid #fff;
      background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--p), var(--acc));
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      justify-content: center;
      color: #fff;
      font-size: 0.6rem;
      font-weight: 700;
      margin-left: -7px;
      font-family: "Bricolage Grotesque", sans-serif;
    }

    .avs .av:first-child {
      margin-left: 0;
    }

    .proof-t {
      font-size: 0.78rem;
      color: var(--sub);
    }

    .proof-t strong {
      color: var(--txt);
      font-weight: 700;
    }

    /* Hero right */
    .h-card-wrap {
      position: relative;
    }

    .h-imgs {
      position: relative;
      transition: transform 0.25s ease-out;
    }

    .h-slideshow {
      position: relative;
      width: 100%;
      aspect-ratio: 1.15;
      border-radius: 24px;
      overflow: hidden;
      /* border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.14);
        box-shadow: 0 30px 80px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.42); */
    }

    .h-slideshow img {
      position: absolute;
      inset: 0;
      width: 100%;
      height: 100%;
      object-fit: contain;
      opacity: 0;
      transition: opacity 1s ease;
    }

    .h-slideshow img.on {
      opacity: 1;
    }

    .h-slide-dots {
      position: absolute;
      bottom: 16px;
      left: 50%;
      transform: translateX(-50%);
      display: flex;
      gap: 7px;
      z-index: 2;
    }

    .h-slide-dots span {
      width: 7px;
      height: 7px;
      border-radius: 50%;
      background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.5);
      transition: width 0.3s, background 0.3s;
    }

    .h-slide-dots span.on {
      width: 20px;
      border-radius: 4px;
      background: #fff;
    }

    .h-main-card {
      background: #fff;
      border-radius: 22px;
      padding: 28px;
      box-shadow: 0 20px 64px rgba(20, 39, 92, 0.14);
      border: 1px solid var(--bdr);
    }

    .h-stats-row {
      display: grid;
      grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr);
      gap: 14px;
      margin-bottom: 20px;
    }

    .h-stat {
      background: var(--ppp);
      border-radius: 13px;
      padding: 16px 14px;
      display: flex;
      flex-direction: column;
      gap: 4px;
    }

    .h-stat .n {
      font-family: "Bricolage Grotesque", sans-serif;
      font-size: 1.35rem;
      font-weight: 800;
      color: var(--p);
      line-height: 1;
    }

    .h-stat .l {
      font-size: 0.7rem;
      font-weight: 500;
      color: var(--sub);
    }

    .h-stat.accent {
      background: var(--p);
    }

    .h-stat.accent .n {
      color: #fff;
    }

    .h-stat.accent .l {
      color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.65);
    }

    .h-floating {
      position: absolute;
      left: -22px;
      bottom: 60px;
      background: #fff;
      border-radius: 13px;
      padding: 12px 16px;
      box-shadow: 0 8px 32px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.12);
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 10px;
      border: 1px solid var(--bdr);
    }

    .hf-icon {
      width: 36px;
      height: 36px;
      background: var(--ig);
      border-radius: 9px;
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      justify-content: center;
    }

    .hf-icon svg {
      stroke: #fff;
    }

    .hf-t .nt {
      font-size: 0.88rem;
      font-weight: 700;
      color: var(--txt);
    }

    .hf-t .st {
      font-size: 0.7rem;
      color: var(--sub);
    }

    .h-bar {
      background: var(--ppp);
      border-radius: 13px;
      padding: 14px 16px;
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      justify-content: space-between;
    }

    .h-bar-left {
      font-size: 0.78rem;
      font-weight: 600;
      color: var(--txt);
    }

    .h-bar-left span {
      display: block;
      font-size: 0.7rem;
      color: var(--sub);
      font-weight: 400;
      margin-top: 2px;
    }

    .hb-prog {
      flex: 1;
      margin: 0 14px;
      height: 5px;
      background: var(--bdr);
      border-radius: 100px;
      overflow: hidden;
    }

    .hb-prog-fill {
      height: 100%;
      width: 68%;
      background: linear-gradient(90deg, var(--p), var(--acc2));
      border-radius: 100px;
    }

    .hb-pct {
      font-size: 0.82rem;
      font-weight: 700;
      color: var(--p);
    }

    /* ── TRUST STRIP ──────────────────── */
    .trust-strip {
      background: var(--txt);
      padding: 16px 0;
      overflow: hidden;
    }

    .ts-inner {
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 56px;
      animation: scroll 28s linear infinite;
      white-space: nowrap;
    }

    .ts-inner:hover {
      animation-play-state: paused;
    }

    .ts-item {
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 10px;
      font-family: "Bricolage Grotesque", sans-serif;
      font-size: 0.92rem;
      font-weight: 700;
      color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.9);
      flex-shrink: 0;
    }

    .ts-sep {
      width: 4px;
      height: 4px;
      background: var(--acc2);
      border-radius: 50%;
      flex-shrink: 0;
    }

    @media (max-width: 768px) {
      .trust-strip { padding: 11px 0; }
      .ts-inner { gap: 22px; animation-duration: 14s; }
      .ts-item { font-size: 0.78rem; gap: 7px; }
    }

    @keyframes scroll {
      from {
        transform: translateX(0);
      }

      to {
        transform: translateX(-50%);
      }
    }

    /* ── WHY CHOOSE  split layout ────── */
    .why-sec {
      padding: 90px 24px;
      position: relative;
      overflow: hidden;
      background: var(--hero-glow), var(--hero-dark);
    }
    .why-sec .wrap {
      position: relative;
      z-index: 1;
    }
    .why-sec .lbl {
      color: #c7b8ff;
    }
    .why-sec .sec-h {
      color: #fff;
    }
    .why-sec .sec-p {
      color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.68);
    }
    .why-sec .hl {
      background: linear-gradient(100deg, #fde08a, #f7b500 50%, #e8860c);
      -webkit-background-clip: text;
      background-clip: text;
      -webkit-text-fill-color: transparent;
      color: transparent;
    }

    .why-head {
      text-align: center;
      max-width: 600px;
      margin: 0 auto 52px;
    }

    .why-head .sec-p {
      margin: 10px auto 0;
    }

    .hl {
      color: var(--p);
    }

    .why-layout {
      display: grid;
      grid-template-columns: 0.92fr 1.08fr;
      gap: 44px;
      align-items: center;
    }

    /* left visual  image placing area only */
    .why-visual {
      position: relative;
      border-radius: 24px;
      overflow: hidden;
      min-height: 620px;
      height: 100%;
      background: linear-gradient(155deg, var(--pl), var(--p) 55%, var(--pd));
    }

    .why-img {
      position: absolute;
      inset: 0;
      width: 100%;
      height: 100%;
      object-fit: cover;
      display: block;
    }

    /* right cards */
    .why-cards {
      display: grid;
      grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
      gap: 14px;
    }

    .wc {
      background: #fff;
      border-radius: 14px;
      padding: 16px 16px;
      display: flex;
      gap: 13px;
      align-items: flex-start;
      border: 1px solid var(--bdr);
      box-shadow:
        0 1px 3px rgba(16, 15, 26, 0.04),
        0 6px 20px rgba(20, 39, 92, 0.06);
      transition:
        transform 0.35s cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.8, 0.2, 1),
        box-shadow 0.35s;
    }

    .wc:hover {
      transform: translateY(-4px);
      box-shadow: 0 16px 38px rgba(20, 39, 92, 0.13);
    }

    .wc:hover .wc-ico {
      transform: scale(1.08) rotate(-5deg);
    }

    .wc-ico {
      width: 46px;
      height: 46px;
      border-radius: 50%;
      background: var(--ig);
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      justify-content: center;
      flex-shrink: 0;
      box-shadow: 0 6px 16px rgba(20, 39, 92, 0.2);
      transition: transform 0.35s;
    }

    .wc-ico svg {
      stroke: #fff;
      stroke-width: 1.8;
      width: 20px;
      height: 20px;
    }

    .wc-tx h4 {
      font-family: "Bricolage Grotesque", sans-serif;
      font-size: 0.92rem;
      font-weight: 700;
      color: var(--txt);
      margin-bottom: 4px;
      line-height: 1.25;
    }

    .wc-tx p {
      font-size: 0.78rem;
      line-height: 1.5;
      color: var(--sub);
    }

    /* ── WHY CHOOSE — dark glass features ── */
    .wf-grid {
      display: grid;
      grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr);
      gap: 18px;
      max-width: 1100px;
      margin: 8px auto 0;
    }
    .wf-card {
      position: relative;
      overflow: hidden;
      background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.045);
      border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.1);
      border-radius: 20px;
      padding: 28px 26px;
      -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(8px);
      backdrop-filter: blur(8px);
      transition: transform 0.4s cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.8, 0.2, 1), border-color 0.4s, background 0.4s;
    }
    .wf-card::before {
      content: "";
      position: absolute;
      top: -50px;
      right: -50px;
      width: 160px;
      height: 160px;
      border-radius: 50%;
      background: radial-gradient(circle, rgba(139, 124, 246, 0.35), transparent 70%);
      opacity: 0;
      transition: opacity 0.4s ease;
      pointer-events: none;
    }
    .wf-card:hover {
      transform: translateY(-6px);
      border-color: rgba(167, 139, 250, 0.45);
      background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.07);
    }
    .wf-card:hover::before {
      opacity: 1;
    }
    .wf-num {
      position: absolute;
      top: 18px;
      right: 24px;
      font-family: "Bricolage Grotesque", sans-serif;
      font-size: 1.7rem;
      font-weight: 800;
      color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.08);
    }
    .wf-ico {
      width: 54px;
      height: 54px;
      border-radius: 16px;
      background: linear-gradient(135deg, #a78bfa, #6366f1);
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      justify-content: center;
      box-shadow: 0 12px 28px rgba(99, 102, 241, 0.5);
      margin-bottom: 20px;
      position: relative;
      z-index: 1;
      transition: transform 0.4s;
    }
    .wf-card:hover .wf-ico {
      transform: scale(1.08) rotate(-5deg);
    }
    .wf-ico svg {
      stroke: #fff;
    }
    .wf-card h4 {
      font-family: "Bricolage Grotesque", sans-serif;
      font-size: 1.05rem;
      font-weight: 700;
      color: #fff;
      margin-bottom: 8px;
      position: relative;
      z-index: 1;
    }
    .wf-card p {
      font-size: 0.85rem;
      line-height: 1.6;
      color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.66);
      position: relative;
      z-index: 1;
    }
    @media (max-width: 860px) {
      .wf-grid {
        grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
      }
    }
    @media (max-width: 560px) {
      .wf-grid {
        grid-template-columns: 1fr;
      }
    }
    /* cards: swipeable + auto-scroll on mobile */
    @media (max-width: 600px) {
      .wf-grid {
        display: flex;
        flex-wrap: nowrap;
        gap: 14px;
        margin-top: 14px;
        overflow-x: auto;
        -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch;
        scrollbar-width: none;
        -ms-overflow-style: none;
        padding-bottom: 6px;
        -webkit-mask: linear-gradient(90deg, transparent, #000 4%, #000 96%, transparent);
        mask: linear-gradient(90deg, transparent, #000 4%, #000 96%, transparent);
      }
      .wf-grid::-webkit-scrollbar {
        display: none;
      }
      /* JS upgrades it to a GPU transform track (smooth + draggable) */
      .wf-grid.wf-marquee {
        overflow: visible;
        width: max-content;
        transform: translateX(0);
        will-change: transform;
        touch-action: pan-y;
        cursor: grab;
        padding-bottom: 0;
        -webkit-mask: none;
        mask: none;
      }
      .wf-grid.wf-marquee:active {
        cursor: grabbing;
      }
      .wf-card {
        flex: 0 0 76vw;
      }
    }
    /* ── COURSES ──────────────────────── */
    .courses-sec {
      padding: 44px 24px;
      background: #fff;
    }

    .c-top {
      display: flex;
      flex-direction: column;
      align-items: center;
      justify-content: center;
      text-align: center;
      margin-bottom: 36px;
      gap: 12px;
    }
    .c-top .lbl { justify-content: center; }

    .courses-vp {
      overflow: hidden;
      padding: 14px 0;
      -webkit-mask: linear-gradient(90deg, transparent, #000 3%, #000 97%, transparent);
      mask: linear-gradient(90deg, transparent, #000 3%, #000 97%, transparent);
    }

    .courses-track {
      display: flex;
      gap: 22px;
      width: max-content;
      animation: cslide 28s linear infinite;
    }

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

    @keyframes cslide {
      from {
        transform: translateX(0);
      }

      to {
        transform: translateX(calc(-50% - 11px));
      }
    }

    .courses-track .cc {
      flex: 0 0 284px;
      max-width: 85vw;
    }

    /* image course cards */
    .courses-grid4 {
      display: grid;
      grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr);
      gap: 18px;
      max-width: 960px;
      margin: 0 auto;
    }

    .ccx {
      display: block;
      text-decoration: none;
      color: inherit;
      background: #fff;
      border: 1px solid var(--bdr);
      border-radius: 20px;
      overflow: hidden;
      box-shadow: 0 1px 3px rgba(16, 15, 26, 0.04),
        0 10px 28px rgba(20, 39, 92, 0.07);
      transition: transform 0.35s cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.8, 0.2, 1),
        box-shadow 0.35s;
      cursor: pointer;
    }

    .ccx:hover {
      transform: translateY(-6px);
      box-shadow: 0 22px 46px rgba(20, 39, 92, 0.15);
    }

    .ccx-img {
      aspect-ratio: 1 / 0.86;
      overflow: hidden;
      background: linear-gradient(145deg, var(--pp), #e0deff);
    }

    .ccx-img img {
      width: 100%;
      height: 100%;
      object-fit: cover;
      object-position: center top;
      display: block;
      transition: transform 0.4s ease;
    }

    .ccx:hover .ccx-img img {
      transform: scale(1.06);
    }

    .ccx-body {
      padding: 15px 18px 18px;
    }

    .ccx-body h3 {
      font-family: "Bricolage Grotesque", sans-serif;
      font-size: 1rem;
      font-weight: 700;
      color: var(--txt);
      margin-bottom: 6px;
    }

    .ccx-body p {
      font-size: 0.8rem;
      color: var(--sub);
      line-height: 1.55;
    }
    /* smaller course cards on mobile */
    @media (max-width: 600px) {
      .ccx-img {
        aspect-ratio: 1 / 0.72;
      }
      .ccx-body {
        padding: 11px 12px 13px;
      }
      .ccx-body h3 {
        font-size: 0.88rem;
        margin-bottom: 4px;
      }
      .ccx-body p {
        font-size: 0.72rem;
        line-height: 1.5;
      }
    }

    @media (max-width: 1024px) {
      .courses-grid4 {
        grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
      }
    }

    @media (max-width: 560px) {
      .courses-grid4 {
        grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
        gap: 12px;
      }
    }

    /* ── UNIVERSITIES ─────────────────── */
    .uni-sec {
      padding: 53px 24px;
      background: var(--bg);
    }

    .uni-head {
      text-align: center;
      max-width: 560px;
      margin: 0 auto 44px;
    }

    .uni-head .sec-p {
      margin: 8px auto 0;
    }

    /* recommended universities as text logos (no boxes) */
    .uni-logos {
      max-width: 1000px;
      margin: 0 auto;
      display: flex;
      flex-wrap: wrap;
      align-items: center;
      justify-content: center;
      gap: 26px 52px;
    }
    .uni-logo {
      font-family: "Bricolage Grotesque", sans-serif;
      font-size: clamp(1.15rem, 2.2vw, 1.7rem);
      font-weight: 700;
      letter-spacing: -0.02em;
      line-height: 1.1;
      color: #fff;
      background: linear-gradient(120deg, #ffffff 0%, #c9b8ff 60%, #9d8bff 100%);
      -webkit-background-clip: text;
      background-clip: text;
      -webkit-text-fill-color: transparent;
      opacity: 0.9;
      transition: transform 0.3s ease, opacity 0.3s ease;
      white-space: nowrap;
    }
    .uni-logo:hover {
      opacity: 1;
      transform: translateY(-3px) scale(1.04);
    }
    @media (max-width: 600px) {
      .uni-logos { gap: 18px 30px; }
    }

    .uni-vp {
      overflow: hidden;
      padding: 10px 0;
      -webkit-mask: linear-gradient(90deg, transparent, #000 4%, #000 96%, transparent);
      mask: linear-gradient(90deg, transparent, #000 4%, #000 96%, transparent);
    }

    .uni-track {
      display: flex;
      gap: 18px;
      width: max-content;
      animation: uslide 32s linear infinite;
    }

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

    @keyframes uslide {
      from {
        transform: translateX(0);
      }

      to {
        transform: translateX(calc(-50% - 9px));
      }
    }

    .uni {
      flex: 0 0 188px;
      background: #fff;
      border: 1px solid var(--bdr);
      border-radius: 16px;
      height: 112px;
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      justify-content: center;
      padding: 18px;
      box-shadow: 0 1px 3px rgba(16, 15, 26, 0.04),
        0 8px 22px rgba(20, 39, 92, 0.06);
      transition: transform 0.3s, box-shadow 0.3s, border-color 0.3s;
    }

    .uni:hover {
      transform: translateY(-5px);
      box-shadow: 0 16px 36px rgba(20, 39, 92, 0.13);
      border-color: rgba(20, 39, 92, 0.2);
    }

    .uni img {
      max-width: 100%;
      max-height: 64px;
      object-fit: contain;
      filter: grayscale(1);
      opacity: 0.72;
      transition: filter 0.3s, opacity 0.3s;
    }

    .uni:hover img {
      filter: grayscale(0);
      opacity: 1;
    }

    .uni-name {
      display: none;
      font-family: "Bricolage Grotesque", sans-serif;
      font-weight: 800;
      font-size: 1.05rem;
      color: var(--p);
      text-align: center;
      letter-spacing: -0.02em;
    }

    .cc {
      background: #fff;
      border-radius: 20px;
      border: 1px solid var(--bdr);
      box-shadow:
        0 1px 3px rgba(16, 15, 26, 0.04),
        0 8px 24px rgba(20, 39, 92, 0.07);
      padding: 24px;
      transition: transform 0.35s cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.8, 0.2, 1),
        box-shadow 0.35s, border-color 0.35s;
      cursor: pointer;
      position: relative;
      overflow: hidden;
      display: flex;
      flex-direction: column;
    }

    .cc::before {
      content: "";
      position: absolute;
      top: 0;
      left: 0;
      right: 0;
      height: 4px;
      background: var(--ig);
      transform: scaleX(0);
      transform-origin: left;
      transition: transform 0.35s;
    }

    .cc:hover {
      transform: translateY(-6px);
      box-shadow: 0 22px 46px rgba(20, 39, 92, 0.16);
      border-color: transparent;
    }

    .cc:hover::before {
      transform: scaleX(1);
    }

    .cc:hover .cc-ico {
      transform: scale(1.08) rotate(-5deg);
    }

    .cc-ico {
      width: 50px;
      height: 50px;
      border-radius: 14px;
      background: var(--ig);
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      justify-content: center;
      margin-bottom: 16px;
      box-shadow: 0 8px 18px rgba(20, 39, 92, 0.25);
      transition: transform 0.35s;
    }

    .cc-ico svg {
      stroke-width: 1.8;
      stroke: #fff;
    }

    .cc-title {
      font-family: "Bricolage Grotesque", sans-serif;
      font-size: 1.02rem;
      font-weight: 700;
      color: var(--txt);
      margin-bottom: 6px;
      line-height: 1.3;
    }

    .cc-sub {
      font-size: 0.76rem;
      color: var(--sub);
      margin-bottom: 14px;
      line-height: 1.55;
    }

    .cc-meta {
      display: flex;
      gap: 14px;
      flex-wrap: wrap;
      margin-bottom: 16px;
      padding-bottom: 16px;
      border-bottom: 1px solid var(--bdr);
    }

    .cc-m {
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 5px;
      font-size: 0.72rem;
      font-weight: 500;
      color: var(--sub);
    }

    .cc-m svg {
      stroke: var(--p);
    }

    .cc-price {
      display: flex;
      align-items: baseline;
      flex-wrap: wrap;
      gap: 8px;
      margin: auto 0 16px;
    }

    .cc-now {
      font-family: "Bricolage Grotesque", sans-serif;
      font-size: 1.3rem;
      font-weight: 800;
      color: var(--txt);
    }

    .cc-old {
      font-size: 0.78rem;
      color: #a1a1aa;
      text-decoration: line-through;
    }

    .cc-badge {
      display: inline-flex;
      align-items: center;
      white-space: nowrap;
      flex-shrink: 0;
      font-size: 0.65rem;
      font-weight: 700;
      background: rgba(16, 185, 129, 0.12);
      color: #059669;
      padding: 4px 10px;
      border-radius: 100px;
      margin-left: auto;
    }

    .cc-enroll {
      width: 100%;
      background: var(--ig);
      color: #fff;
      padding: 11px;
      border-radius: 10px;
      font-size: 0.82rem;
      font-weight: 700;
      border: none;
      cursor: pointer;
      font-family: "Outfit", sans-serif;
      transition: transform 0.2s, box-shadow 0.2s;
      letter-spacing: 0.01em;
      box-shadow: 0 6px 16px rgba(20, 39, 92, 0.25);
    }

    .cc-enroll:hover {
      transform: translateY(-2px);
      box-shadow: 0 10px 24px rgba(20, 39, 92, 0.35);
    }

    /* ── ABOUT  split diagonal ───────── */
    .about-sec {
      padding: 90px 24px;
      background: #fff;
      position: relative;
      overflow: hidden;
    }

    .about-sec::before {
      content: "";
      position: absolute;
      top: -160px;
      left: -160px;
      width: 460px;
      height: 460px;
      background: radial-gradient(circle, rgba(58, 100, 191, 0.08) 0%, transparent 70%);
      border-radius: 50%;
      pointer-events: none;
      animation: glowPulse 11s ease-in-out infinite;
    }

    .about-sec::after {
      content: "";
      position: absolute;
      bottom: 40px;
      right: 60px;
      width: 120px;
      height: 120px;
      background-image: radial-gradient(var(--pp) 2px, transparent 2px);
      background-size: 16px 16px;
      opacity: 0.7;
      pointer-events: none;
    }

    .about-inner {
      max-width: 1080px;
      margin: 0 auto;
      display: grid;
      grid-template-columns: 0.9fr 1.1fr;
      gap: 52px;
      align-items: center;
      position: relative;
      z-index: 2;
    }

    /* left collage */
    .about-vis {
      position: relative;
      padding: 14px 34px 34px 14px;
    }

    .ab-img-main {
      width: 100%;
      aspect-ratio: 1 / 1;
      border-radius: 26px;
      overflow: hidden;
      background: linear-gradient(145deg, var(--pp), #ddd8ff);
      box-shadow: 0 26px 60px rgba(20, 39, 92, 0.2);
    }

    .ab-img-main img,
    .ab-img-sub img {
      width: 100%;
      height: 100%;
      object-fit: cover;
      display: block;
    }

    .ab-img-sub {
      position: absolute;
      right: 0;
      bottom: 0;
      width: 44%;
      aspect-ratio: 1 / 1;
      border-radius: 22px;
      overflow: hidden;
      border: 6px solid #fff;
      background: linear-gradient(145deg, #e0deff, var(--pp));
      box-shadow: 0 18px 40px rgba(20, 39, 92, 0.22);
    }

    .ab-badge {
      position: absolute;
      top: 0;
      left: 0;
      width: 100px;
      height: 100px;
      border-radius: 50%;
      background: var(--ig);
      color: #fff;
      display: flex;
      flex-direction: column;
      align-items: center;
      justify-content: center;
      text-align: center;
      box-shadow: 0 16px 34px rgba(20, 39, 92, 0.42);
      z-index: 3;
      animation: abfloat 4s ease-in-out infinite;
    }

    @keyframes abfloat {

      0%,
      100% {
        transform: translateY(0);
      }

      50% {
        transform: translateY(-9px);
      }
    }

    .ab-badge b {
      font-family: "Bricolage Grotesque", sans-serif;
      font-size: 1.6rem;
      font-weight: 800;
      line-height: 1;
    }

    .ab-badge span {
      font-size: 0.54rem;
      font-weight: 600;
      letter-spacing: 0.06em;
      margin-top: 4px;
      opacity: 0.88;
      text-transform: uppercase;
    }

    .ab-stat {
      position: absolute;
      left: -14px;
      bottom: 64px;
      background: #fff;
      border-radius: 16px;
      padding: 13px 18px;
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 12px;
      box-shadow: 0 18px 42px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.12);
      border: 1px solid var(--bdr);
      z-index: 3;
    }

    .ab-stat-ico {
      width: 42px;
      height: 42px;
      border-radius: 12px;
      background: var(--ig);
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      justify-content: center;
      flex-shrink: 0;
    }

    .ab-stat-ico svg {
      stroke: #fff;
    }

    .ab-stat .n {
      font-family: "Bricolage Grotesque", sans-serif;
      font-weight: 800;
      font-size: 1.2rem;
      color: var(--txt);
      line-height: 1;
    }

    .ab-stat .l {
      font-size: 0.68rem;
      color: var(--sub);
      margin-top: 3px;
    }

    /* right */
    .ab-eyebrow {
      display: inline-flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 8px;
      font-size: 0.72rem;
      font-weight: 700;
      letter-spacing: 0.14em;
      text-transform: uppercase;
      color: var(--p);
      margin-bottom: 16px;
    }

    .ab-eyebrow::before {
      display: none;
    }

    .ab-title {
      font-family: "Bricolage Grotesque", sans-serif;
      font-size: clamp(1.55rem, 2.9vw, 2.1rem);
      font-weight: 500;
      line-height: 1.14;
      letter-spacing: -0.02em;
      color: var(--txt);
      margin-bottom: 14px;
    }

    .ab-title .hl {
      color: var(--p);
    }

    .ab-desc {
      font-size: 0.95rem;
      color: var(--sub);
      line-height: 1.75;
      margin-bottom: 28px;
      max-width: 480px;
    }

    .ab-grid {
      display: grid;
      grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
      gap: 18px 20px;
      margin-bottom: 32px;
    }

    .ab-card {
      display: flex;
      gap: 13px;
      align-items: flex-start;
    }

    .ab-card-ico {
      width: 46px;
      height: 46px;
      border-radius: 13px;
      background: var(--pp);
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      justify-content: center;
      flex-shrink: 0;
      transition: background 0.3s, transform 0.3s;
    }

    .ab-card-ico svg {
      stroke: var(--p);
      transition: stroke 0.3s;
    }

    .ab-card:hover .ab-card-ico {
      background: var(--ig);
      transform: translateY(-3px);
    }

    .ab-card:hover .ab-card-ico svg {
      stroke: #fff;
    }

    .ab-card h4 {
      font-family: "Bricolage Grotesque", sans-serif;
      font-size: 0.95rem;
      font-weight: 700;
      color: var(--txt);
      margin-bottom: 3px;
    }

    .ab-card p {
      font-size: 0.77rem;
      color: var(--sub);
      line-height: 1.5;
    }

    .ab-cta {
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 20px;
      flex-wrap: wrap;
    }

    .ab-play {
      display: inline-flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 10px;
      font-size: 0.85rem;
      font-weight: 600;
      color: var(--txt);
      text-decoration: none;
    }

    .ab-play-btn {
      width: 42px;
      height: 42px;
      border-radius: 50%;
      background: #fff;
      border: 1px solid var(--bdr);
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      justify-content: center;
      box-shadow: 0 6px 18px rgba(20, 39, 92, 0.12);
      transition: transform 0.2s;
    }

    .ab-play:hover .ab-play-btn {
      transform: scale(1.08);
    }

    .ab-play-btn svg {
      stroke: var(--p);
      margin-left: 2px;
    }

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

    /* ── STATS  glass cards ─────── */
    .stats-sec {
      background: var(--hero-glow), var(--hero-dark);
      padding: 90px 24px;
      position: relative;
      overflow: hidden;
    }

    .stats-sec::after {
      content: "";
      position: absolute;
      right: -160px;
      top: -160px;
      width: 480px;
      height: 480px;
      border: 1px solid rgba(139, 92, 246, 0.18);
      border-radius: 50%;
      pointer-events: none;
      animation: ringFloat 16s ease-in-out infinite;
    }

    .stats-sec::before {
      content: "";
      position: absolute;
      left: -150px;
      bottom: -170px;
      width: 440px;
      height: 440px;
      border: 1px solid rgba(58, 100, 191, 0.12);
      border-radius: 50%;
      pointer-events: none;
      animation: ringFloat 21s ease-in-out infinite reverse;
    }

    .stats-glow {
      position: absolute;
      top: -140px;
      right: 6%;
      width: 420px;
      height: 420px;
      background: radial-gradient(circle, rgba(58, 100, 191, 0.3) 0%, transparent 70%);
      border-radius: 50%;
      pointer-events: none;
      animation: glowDrift 10s ease-in-out infinite;
    }

    .stats-inner {
      max-width: 1200px;
      margin: 0 auto;
      position: relative;
      z-index: 1;
    }

    .stats-dots {
      position: absolute;
      top: 4px;
      right: 0;
      display: grid;
      grid-template-columns: repeat(6, 4px);
      gap: 11px;
      opacity: 0.5;
      pointer-events: none;
    }

    .stats-dots span {
      width: 4px;
      height: 4px;
      border-radius: 50%;
      background: var(--acc2);
    }

    .stats-top {
      position: relative;
      display: flex;
      align-items: flex-start;
      justify-content: space-between;
      margin-bottom: 50px;
      flex-wrap: wrap;
      gap: 22px;
    }

    .stats-top-left .lbl {
      color: var(--acc2);
    }

    .stats-top-left .lbl::before {
      background: var(--acc2);
    }

    .stats-top-left h2 {
      font-family: "Bricolage Grotesque", sans-serif;
      font-size: clamp(1.8rem, 3.6vw, 2.9rem);
      font-weight: 500;
      color: #fff;
      margin-top: 12px;
      line-height: 1.1;
      letter-spacing: -0.02em;
    }

    .stats-top-left h2 span {
      display: block;
      background: linear-gradient(100deg, #fde08a, #f7b500 50%, #e8860c);
      -webkit-background-clip: text;
      background-clip: text;
      -webkit-text-fill-color: transparent;
      color: transparent;
    }

    .stats-accent-bar {
      width: 58px;
      height: 4px;
      border-radius: 4px;
      background: linear-gradient(90deg, var(--acc), var(--acc2));
      margin-top: 20px;
    }

    .stats-top-right {
      font-size: 0.9rem;
      color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.6);
      max-width: 300px;
      line-height: 1.7;
      padding-top: 6px;
    }

    .stats-cards {
      display: grid;
      grid-template-columns: repeat(4, 1fr);
      gap: 18px;
    }

    .sc-card {
      position: relative;
      background: linear-gradient(160deg, rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.07), rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.02));
      border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.1);
      border-radius: 20px;
      padding: 26px 24px 30px;
      overflow: hidden;
      backdrop-filter: blur(6px);
      -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(6px);
      transition:
        transform 0.35s,
        border-color 0.35s,
        box-shadow 0.35s;
    }

    .sc-card:hover {
      transform: translateY(-6px);
      border-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.22);
      box-shadow: 0 20px 50px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.3);
    }

    /* running sleek glowing faded border */
    @property --scAngle {
      syntax: "<angle>";
      inherits: false;
      initial-value: 0deg;
    }

    .sc-card::before {
      content: "";
      position: absolute;
      inset: 0;
      border-radius: inherit;
      padding: 1.6px;
      background: conic-gradient(from var(--scAngle),
          transparent 0deg,
          transparent 250deg,
          rgba(167, 139, 250, 0.12) 300deg,
          rgba(167, 139, 250, 0.9) 335deg,
          #7dd3fc 351deg,
          #ffffff 360deg);
      -webkit-mask:
          linear-gradient(#000 0 0) content-box,
          linear-gradient(#000 0 0);
      -webkit-mask-composite: xor;
              mask-composite: exclude;
      pointer-events: none;
      z-index: 3;
      will-change: --scAngle;
      animation: scBorderRun 6s linear infinite;
    }

    /* soft static glow ring underneath (cheap — no per-frame repaint) */
    .sc-card::after {
      content: "";
      position: absolute;
      inset: 0;
      border-radius: inherit;
      pointer-events: none;
      z-index: 2;
      box-shadow: inset 0 0 14px rgba(167, 139, 250, 0.14);
    }

    @keyframes scBorderRun {
      to { --scAngle: 360deg; }
    }

    /* stagger each card so the lights chase around independently */
    .sc-card:nth-child(2)::before { animation-delay: -1.1s; }
    .sc-card:nth-child(3)::before { animation-delay: -2.2s; }
    .sc-card:nth-child(4)::before { animation-delay: -3.3s; }

    @media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) {
      .sc-card::before { animation: none; }
    }

    .sc-icon {
      position: relative;
      z-index: 1;
      width: 48px;
      height: 48px;
      border-radius: 13px;
      background: var(--ac-grad);
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      justify-content: center;
      margin-bottom: 40px;
    }

    .sc-icon svg {
      stroke: #fff;
    }

    .sc-num {
      position: relative;
      z-index: 1;
      font-family: "Bricolage Grotesque", sans-serif;
      font-size: 2.4rem;
      font-weight: 500;
      color: #fff;
      line-height: 1;
      margin-bottom: 12px;
    }

    .sc-bar {
      position: relative;
      z-index: 1;
      width: 34px;
      height: 3px;
      border-radius: 3px;
      background: var(--ac-grad);
      margin-bottom: 12px;
    }

    .sc-lbl {
      position: relative;
      z-index: 1;
      font-size: 0.86rem;
      color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.66);
      font-weight: 500;
    }

    .sc-watermark {
      position: absolute;
      right: 18px;
      bottom: 18px;
      line-height: 0;
      opacity: 0.14;
      z-index: 0;
      pointer-events: none;
      transition: opacity 0.35s, transform 0.35s;
    }

    .sc-card:hover .sc-watermark {
      opacity: 0.22;
      transform: scale(1.06) rotate(-4deg);
    }

    /* smaller stats cards on mobile */
    @media (max-width: 600px) {
      .stats-cards {
        gap: 12px;
      }

      .sc-card {
        padding: 16px 15px 18px;
        border-radius: 16px;
      }

      .sc-icon {
        width: 32px;
        height: 32px;
        border-radius: 9px;
        margin-bottom: 16px;
      }

      .sc-card .sc-icon svg {
        width: 16px;
        height: 16px;
      }

      .sc-num {
        font-size: 1.7rem;
        margin-bottom: 6px;
      }

      .sc-bar {
        width: 26px;
      }

      .sc-lbl {
        font-size: 0.76rem;
      }

      .sc-watermark {
        right: 12px;
        bottom: 12px;
      }

      .sc-card .sc-watermark svg {
        width: 40px;
        height: 40px;
      }
    }

    .sc-watermark svg {
      stroke: var(--ac);
      stroke-width: 1.5;
      width: 72px;
      height: 72px;
    }

    .sc-dot {
      position: absolute;
      right: -9px;
      top: 50%;
      transform: translateY(-50%);
      width: 12px;
      height: 12px;
      border-radius: 50%;
      background: var(--ac);
      box-shadow: 0 0 14px var(--ac);
      z-index: 3;
    }

    /* bottom banner */
    .stats-banner {
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      justify-content: center;
      gap: 18px;
      margin-top: 46px;
    }

    .stats-banner .b-dots {
      display: flex;
      gap: 8px;
      flex-shrink: 0;
    }

    .stats-banner .b-dots span {
      width: 5px;
      height: 5px;
      border-radius: 50%;
      background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.22);
    }

    .stats-pill {
      display: inline-flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 12px;
      background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.06);
      border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.12);
      border-radius: 100px;
      padding: 12px 26px;
      backdrop-filter: blur(6px);
      -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(6px);
    }

    .stats-pill-ico {
      width: 30px;
      height: 30px;
      border-radius: 50%;
      background: var(--ig);
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      justify-content: center;
      flex-shrink: 0;
    }

    .stats-pill-ico svg {
      stroke: #fff;
    }

    .stats-pill p {
      font-size: 0.9rem;
      color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.78);
    }

    .stats-pill strong {
      color: #fff;
      font-weight: 600;
    }

    /* ── LEARNING FEATURES ────────────── */
    .learn-sec {
      padding: 90px 24px;
      background: linear-gradient(125deg, #ffffff 0%, #f6f3ff 55%, #ece7ff 100%);
      position: relative;
      overflow: hidden;
    }

    .learn-inner {
      max-width: 1200px;
      margin: 0 auto;
      display: grid;
      grid-template-columns: 1fr 1.05fr;
      gap: 56px;
      align-items: center;
      position: relative;
      z-index: 2;
    }

    /* left */
    .learn-eyebrow {
      display: inline-flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 8px;
      background: #fff;
      border-radius: 100px;
      padding: 8px 16px;
      box-shadow: 0 6px 20px rgba(20, 39, 92, 0.1);
      font-size: 0.7rem;
      font-weight: 700;
      letter-spacing: 0.12em;
      text-transform: uppercase;
      color: var(--p);
      margin-bottom: 22px;
    }

    .learn-eyebrow svg {
      stroke: var(--p);
    }

    .learn-h {
      font-family: "Bricolage Grotesque", sans-serif;
      font-size: clamp(1.85rem, 3.6vw, 2.75rem);
      font-weight: 500;
      line-height: 1.1;
      letter-spacing: -0.03em;
      color: var(--txt);
    }

    .learn-h .out {
      position: relative;
      display: inline-block;
      color: var(--p);
    }

    .learn-h .out::after {
      content: "";
      position: absolute;
      left: 0;
      right: -4px;
      bottom: -8px;
      height: 12px;
      background: url("data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' width='220' height='12' viewBox='0 0 220 12'><path d='M3 8 Q55 1 110 6 T217 5' stroke='%236C5CE7' stroke-width='3.5' fill='none' stroke-linecap='round'/></svg>") no-repeat center / 100% 100%;
    }

    .learn-sub {
      font-size: 0.95rem;
      color: var(--sub);
      line-height: 1.7;
      max-width: 440px;
      margin: 22px 0 30px;
    }

    .learn-stats {
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      flex-wrap: wrap;
      margin-bottom: 34px;
    }

    .ls-stat {
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 11px;
    }

    .ls-stat:not(:last-child) {
      border-right: 1px solid var(--bdr);
      padding-right: 22px;
      margin-right: 22px;
    }

    .ls-ico {
      width: 42px;
      height: 42px;
      border-radius: 50%;
      background: #fff;
      box-shadow: 0 4px 14px rgba(20, 39, 92, 0.1);
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      justify-content: center;
      flex-shrink: 0;
    }

    .ls-ico svg {
      stroke: var(--p);
    }

    .ls-n {
      font-family: "Bricolage Grotesque", sans-serif;
      font-size: 1.25rem;
      font-weight: 800;
      color: var(--txt);
      line-height: 1;
    }

    .ls-l {
      font-size: 0.76rem;
      color: var(--sub);
      margin-top: 3px;
    }

    .learn-cta {
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 24px;
      flex-wrap: wrap;
    }

    .btn-grad {
      background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--acc), var(--p));
      color: #fff;
      padding: 14px 28px;
      border-radius: 100px;
      font-size: 0.92rem;
      font-weight: 700;
      text-decoration: none;
      display: inline-flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 9px;
      box-shadow: 0 10px 26px rgba(20, 39, 92, 0.32);
      transition: transform 0.2s, box-shadow 0.2s;
    }

    .btn-grad:hover {
      transform: translateY(-2px);
      box-shadow: 0 14px 32px rgba(20, 39, 92, 0.4);
    }

    .learn-loved {
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 12px;
    }

    .lv-avs {
      display: flex;
    }

    .lv-avs .av {
      width: 38px;
      height: 38px;
      border-radius: 50%;
      border: 2px solid #fff;
      margin-left: -10px;
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      justify-content: center;
      color: #fff;
      font-size: 0.72rem;
      font-weight: 700;
      font-family: "Bricolage Grotesque", sans-serif;
    }

    .lv-avs .av:first-child {
      margin-left: 0;
    }

    .loved-stars {
      display: flex;
      gap: 2px;
      margin-bottom: 3px;
    }

    .loved-stars svg {
      fill: var(--ylw);
      stroke: none;
      width: 14px;
      height: 14px;
    }

    .loved-tx span {
      font-size: 0.78rem;
      color: var(--sub);
    }

    /* decorative */
    .learn-sphere {
      position: absolute;
      top: 80px;
      left: 42%;
      width: 56px;
      height: 56px;
      border-radius: 50%;
      background: radial-gradient(circle at 32% 28%, #b3a5ff, #3a64bf 60%, #4a3fb0);
      box-shadow: 0 16px 36px rgba(58, 100, 191, 0.4);
      z-index: 1;
    }

    .learn-ring {
      position: absolute;
      bottom: 60px;
      left: -40px;
      width: 150px;
      height: 150px;
      border-radius: 50%;
      border: 26px solid rgba(58, 100, 191, 0.16);
      z-index: 1;
      filter: blur(1px);
    }

    .learn-grid-dots {
      position: absolute;
      bottom: 90px;
      left: 38%;
      display: grid;
      grid-template-columns: repeat(8, 6px);
      gap: 12px;
      opacity: 0.3;
      z-index: 1;
    }

    .learn-grid-dots span {
      width: 4px;
      height: 4px;
      border-radius: 50%;
      background: var(--p);
    }

    /* right cards */
    .learn-vis {
      display: grid;
      grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
      gap: 14px;
    }

    .lf-card {
      position: relative;
      background: var(--hero-grad);
      background-size: 400% 400%;
      border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.1);
      border-radius: 18px;
      padding: 18px 18px 44px;
      min-height: 156px;
      overflow: hidden;
      box-shadow: 0 1px 3px rgba(16, 15, 26, 0.04), 0 14px 34px rgba(20, 39, 92, 0.09);
      transition: transform 0.35s, box-shadow 0.35s;
    }

    .lf-card:hover {
      transform: translateY(-5px);
      box-shadow: 0 22px 46px rgba(20, 39, 92, 0.15);
    }

    .lf-top {
      display: flex;
      align-items: flex-start;
      justify-content: space-between;
      margin-bottom: 22px;
    }

    /* dark learning cards (hero gradient) */
    .lf-card .lf-title {
      color: #fff;
    }

    .lf-card .lf-desc {
      color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.72);
    }

    .lf-card .lf-ico {
      background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.1);
      border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.18);
      box-shadow: none;
    }

    .lf-card .lf-dots span {
      background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.45);
    }

    .lf-card .lf-live {
      color: #4ade80;
      background: rgba(74, 222, 128, 0.14);
    }

    .lf-card .lf-live::before {
      background: #4ade80;
    }

    .lf-card .lf-arrow {
      background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.12);
      border-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.22);
    }

    .lf-card .lf-arrow svg {
      stroke: #fff;
    }

    .lf-card .lf-wave path {
      fill: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.05);
    }

    .star-field {
      position: absolute;
      inset: 0;
      overflow: hidden;
      pointer-events: none;
      z-index: 0;
    }

    .lf-ico {
      width: 42px;
      height: 42px;
      border-radius: 13px;
      background: var(--ig);
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      justify-content: center;
      box-shadow: 0 8px 20px rgba(20, 39, 92, 0.28);
    }

    .lf-ico svg {
      stroke: #fff;
    }

    .lf-live {
      display: inline-flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 5px;
      font-size: 0.66rem;
      font-weight: 700;
      color: #16a34a;
      background: rgba(16, 163, 74, 0.1);
      padding: 4px 10px;
      border-radius: 100px;
    }

    .lf-live::before {
      content: "";
      width: 6px;
      height: 6px;
      border-radius: 50%;
      background: #16a34a;
    }

    .lf-dots {
      display: grid;
      grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 3px);
      gap: 5px;
      opacity: 0.35;
      margin-top: 6px;
    }

    .lf-dots span {
      width: 3px;
      height: 3px;
      border-radius: 50%;
      background: var(--p);
    }

    .lf-title {
      font-family: "Bricolage Grotesque", sans-serif;
      font-size: 0.95rem;
      font-weight: 700;
      color: var(--txt);
      margin-bottom: 7px;
      position: relative;
      z-index: 1;
    }

    .lf-desc {
      font-size: 0.8rem;
      color: var(--sub);
      line-height: 1.55;
      position: relative;
      z-index: 1;
    }

    .lf-arrow {
      position: absolute;
      right: 16px;
      bottom: 16px;
      width: 30px;
      height: 30px;
      border-radius: 50%;
      background: #fff;
      border: 1px solid var(--bdr);
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      justify-content: center;
      cursor: pointer;
      box-shadow: 0 4px 12px rgba(20, 39, 92, 0.1);
      transition: background 0.25s, transform 0.25s;
      z-index: 2;
    }

    .lf-arrow svg {
      stroke: var(--p);
      transition: stroke 0.25s;
    }

    .lf-card:hover .lf-arrow {
      background: var(--p);
      transform: translateX(3px);
    }

    .lf-card:hover .lf-arrow svg {
      stroke: #fff;
    }

    .lf-wave {
      position: absolute;
      left: 0;
      right: 0;
      bottom: 0;
      width: 100%;
      height: 60px;
      opacity: 0.5;
      pointer-events: none;
      z-index: 0;
    }

    .lf-dark {
      grid-column: span 2;
      position: relative;
      overflow: hidden;
      background: linear-gradient(120deg, #1b1840, #13112e);
      border-radius: 20px;
      padding: 26px 28px;
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 18px;
      box-shadow: 0 16px 38px rgba(27, 24, 64, 0.3);
    }

    .lf-dark .lf-ico {
      flex-shrink: 0;
    }

    .lf-dark-tx {
      flex: 1;
    }

    .lf-dark h4 {
      font-family: "Bricolage Grotesque", sans-serif;
      font-size: 1.1rem;
      font-weight: 700;
      color: #fff;
      margin-bottom: 4px;
    }

    .lf-dark p {
      font-size: 0.85rem;
      color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.6);
    }

    .lf-online {
      display: inline-flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 6px;
      font-size: 0.72rem;
      font-weight: 700;
      color: #34d399;
      background: rgba(52, 211, 153, 0.12);
      padding: 6px 12px;
      border-radius: 100px;
      flex-shrink: 0;
    }

    .lf-online::before {
      content: "";
      width: 6px;
      height: 6px;
      border-radius: 50%;
      background: #34d399;
    }

    /* ── ALUMNI ───────────────────────── */
    .alumni-sec {
      padding: 90px 24px;
      background: var(--bg);
    }

    .alumni-head {
      text-align: center;
      max-width: 520px;
      margin: 0 auto 44px;
    }

    .alumni-vp {
      overflow: hidden;
      padding: 12px 0;
      -webkit-mask: linear-gradient(90deg,
          transparent,
          #000 5%,
          #000 95%,
          transparent);
      mask: linear-gradient(90deg,
          transparent,
          #000 5%,
          #000 95%,
          transparent);
    }

    .alumni-track {
      display: flex;
      gap: 20px;
      width: max-content;
      animation: aslide 38s linear infinite;
    }

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

    @keyframes aslide {
      from {
        transform: translateX(0);
      }

      to {
        transform: translateX(calc(-50% - 10px));
      }
    }

    .ac {
      flex: 0 0 360px;
      max-width: 84vw;
      position: relative;
      overflow: hidden;
      background:
        radial-gradient(440px circle at 88% 0%, rgba(99, 102, 241, 0.4), transparent 55%),
        linear-gradient(165deg, #1c2150 0%, #0e1234 55%, #15123c 100%);
      border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.09);
      border-radius: 22px;
      padding: 30px 26px 24px;
      box-shadow: 0 22px 50px rgba(13, 16, 46, 0.3);
      transition:
        transform 0.4s cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.8, 0.2, 1),
        box-shadow 0.4s,
        border-color 0.4s;
    }

    .ac::before {
      content: "";
      position: absolute;
      left: 0;
      top: 0;
      right: 0;
      height: 4px;
      background: linear-gradient(90deg, #6366f1, #a78bfa, #3a64bf);
    }

    .ac:hover {
      transform: translateY(-8px);
      border-color: rgba(167, 139, 250, 0.45);
      box-shadow: 0 32px 62px rgba(13, 16, 46, 0.5);
    }

    .ac-q {
      position: absolute;
      top: 10px;
      right: 22px;
      font-family: "Bricolage Grotesque", sans-serif;
      font-size: 4.5rem;
      line-height: 1;
      font-weight: 800;
      background: linear-gradient(135deg, #a78bfa, #6366f1);
      -webkit-background-clip: text;
      background-clip: text;
      -webkit-text-fill-color: transparent;
      color: transparent;
      opacity: 0.55;
    }

    .ac-stars {
      display: flex;
      gap: 3px;
      margin-bottom: 14px;
      position: relative;
      z-index: 1;
    }

    .ac-stars svg {
      fill: #fbbf24;
      stroke: none;
      width: 15px;
      height: 15px;
    }

    .ac-txt {
      font-size: 0.9rem;
      color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.82);
      line-height: 1.7;
      margin-bottom: 22px;
      position: relative;
      z-index: 1;
      display: -webkit-box;
      -webkit-line-clamp: 4;
      line-clamp: 4;
      -webkit-box-orient: vertical;
      overflow: hidden;
    }

    .ac-hr {
      display: none;
    }

    .ac-foot {
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 12px;
      position: relative;
      z-index: 1;
    }

    .ac-av {
      width: 46px;
      height: 46px;
      border-radius: 50%;
      padding: 2px;
      background: linear-gradient(135deg, #a78bfa, #6366f1);
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      justify-content: center;
      flex-shrink: 0;
    }

    /* avatar photos fill their circle */
    .avs .av,
    .lv-avs .av,
    .ac-av {
      overflow: hidden;
    }

    .avs .av img,
    .lv-avs .av img,
    .ac-av img {
      width: 100%;
      height: 100%;
      object-fit: cover;
      border-radius: 50%;
      display: block;
    }

    .ac-name {
      font-size: 0.9rem;
      font-weight: 700;
      color: #fff;
    }

    .ac-role {
      font-size: 0.72rem;
      color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.58);
      margin-top: 2px;
    }

    .ac-co {
      display: inline-flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 5px;
      font-size: 0.68rem;
      font-weight: 700;
      color: #c7b8ff;
      background: rgba(139, 124, 246, 0.16);
      border: 1px solid rgba(139, 124, 246, 0.32);
      padding: 3px 10px;
      border-radius: 100px;
      margin-top: 6px;
    }

    .ac-co svg {
      stroke: currentColor;
    }

    /* ── TESTIMONIAL WALL (two scrolling rows) ── */
    .tw {
      display: flex;
      flex-direction: column;
      gap: 18px;
      margin-top: 10px;
      overflow: hidden;
      width: 100vw;
      margin-left: calc(50% - 50vw);
      padding: 4px 0;
    }
    .tw-row {
      display: flex;
      gap: 18px;
      width: max-content;
    }
    .tw-row.r1 {
      animation: tw-left 46s linear infinite;
    }
    .tw-row.r2 {
      animation: tw-right 46s linear infinite;
    }
    .tw:hover .tw-row {
      animation-play-state: paused;
    }
    @keyframes tw-left {
      from { transform: translateX(0); }
      to { transform: translateX(calc(-50% - 9px)); }
    }
    @keyframes tw-right {
      from { transform: translateX(calc(-50% - 9px)); }
      to { transform: translateX(0); }
    }
    .tw-card {
      position: relative;
      overflow: hidden;
      display: flex;
      flex-direction: column;
      flex: 0 0 330px;
      max-width: 80vw;
      background:
        radial-gradient(circle at 82% 8%, rgba(124, 92, 231, 0.32), transparent 46%),
        radial-gradient(circle at 8% 98%, rgba(58, 100, 191, 0.24), transparent 52%),
        linear-gradient(150deg, #0e0a28 0%, #12012e 55%, #0a0420 100%);
      border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.1);
      border-radius: 18px;
      padding: 24px 22px 22px;
      box-shadow: 0 12px 34px rgba(8, 5, 30, 0.4);
      transition: transform 0.3s, box-shadow 0.3s, border-color 0.3s;
    }
    .tw-card::before {
      content: "\201C";
      position: absolute;
      top: 6px;
      right: 18px;
      font-family: "Bricolage Grotesque", Georgia, serif;
      font-size: 4.4rem;
      line-height: 1;
      font-weight: 800;
      color: rgba(167, 139, 250, 0.28);
      pointer-events: none;
      z-index: 0;
    }
    .tw-card::after {
      content: "";
      position: absolute;
      left: -45px;
      bottom: -45px;
      width: 160px;
      height: 160px;
      border-radius: 50%;
      background: radial-gradient(circle, rgba(124, 92, 231, 0.28), transparent 70%);
      opacity: 0;
      transition: opacity 0.35s;
      pointer-events: none;
      z-index: 0;
    }
    .tw-card:hover {
      transform: translateY(-5px);
      border-color: rgba(167, 139, 250, 0.42);
      box-shadow: 0 22px 50px rgba(8, 5, 30, 0.6);
    }
    .tw-card:hover::after {
      opacity: 1;
    }
    .tw-stars {
      color: #fbbf24;
      font-size: 0.92rem;
      letter-spacing: 3px;
      margin-bottom: 11px;
    }
    .tw-text {
      font-size: 0.86rem;
      color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.86);
      line-height: 1.62;
      margin-bottom: 18px;
      position: relative;
      z-index: 1;
    }
    .tw-by {
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 11px;
      position: relative;
      z-index: 1;
      margin-top: auto;
      padding-top: 14px;
      border-top: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.1);
    }
    .tw-av {
      width: 42px;
      height: 42px;
      border-radius: 50%;
      padding: 2px;
      background: var(--ig);
      flex-shrink: 0;
    }
    .tw-av img {
      width: 100%;
      height: 100%;
      object-fit: cover;
      border-radius: 50%;
      display: block;
    }
    .tw-name {
      font-size: 0.84rem;
      font-weight: 700;
      color: #fff;
    }
    .tw-role {
      font-size: 0.7rem;
      color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.55);
      margin-top: 1px;
    }
    @media (max-width: 600px) {
      .tw-card { flex-basis: 290px; }
    }

    .alumni-strip {
      max-width: 560px;
      margin: 36px auto 0;
      background: #fff;
      border: 1px solid var(--bdr);
      border-radius: 100px;
      padding: 13px 24px;
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      justify-content: center;
      gap: 14px;
      box-shadow: 0 6px 24px rgba(20, 39, 92, 0.07);
    }

    .ast {
      font-size: 0.82rem;
      color: var(--sub);
    }

    .ast strong {
      color: var(--txt);
    }

    /* ── PLACEMENT ────────────────────── */
    /* CAREER SCROLL STORY */
    .story-sec {
      --story-accent: #8b5cf6;
      --story-soft: rgba(139, 92, 246, 0.18);
      background: #080b18;
      color: #fff;
      position: relative;
      overflow: clip;
    }

    .story-sec::before {
      content: "";
      position: absolute;
      inset: 0;
      background:
        linear-gradient(rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.025) 1px, transparent 1px),
        linear-gradient(90deg, rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.025) 1px, transparent 1px);
      background-size: 72px 72px;
      mask-image: linear-gradient(to bottom, transparent, #000 12%, #000 88%, transparent);
      pointer-events: none;
    }

    .story-progress {
      position: sticky;
      top: 62px;
      left: 0;
      height: 4px;
      width: var(--story-progress, 0%);
      background: linear-gradient(90deg, #8b5cf6, #38bdf8, #34d399);
      box-shadow: 0 0 22px rgba(56, 189, 248, 0.6);
      z-index: 4;
    }

    .story-inner {
      max-width: 1200px;
      margin: 0 auto;
      padding: 120px 24px;
      display: grid;
      grid-template-columns: minmax(0, 0.92fr) minmax(460px, 1.08fr);
      gap: 88px;
      position: relative;
      z-index: 1;
    }

    .story-intro {
      min-height: 42vh;
      padding-bottom: 54px;
    }

    .story-kicker {
      display: inline-flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 9px;
      color: #93c5fd;
      font-size: 0.72rem;
      font-weight: 700;
      letter-spacing: 0.16em;
      text-transform: uppercase;
      margin-bottom: 18px;
    }

    .story-kicker::before {
      content: "";
      width: 30px;
      height: 2px;
      background: currentColor;
    }

    .story-title {
      max-width: 560px;
      font-size: clamp(2.5rem, 5vw, 4.7rem);
      font-weight: 500;
      line-height: 0.98;
      letter-spacing: -0.055em;
    }

    .story-title span {
      color: transparent;
      background: linear-gradient(110deg, #c4b5fd, #7dd3fc 55%, #6ee7b7);
      -webkit-background-clip: text;
      background-clip: text;
    }

    .story-lead {
      max-width: 480px;
      margin-top: 24px;
      color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.57);
      font-size: 0.98rem;
      line-height: 1.75;
    }

    .story-step {
      min-height: 72vh;
      display: grid;
      align-content: center;
      position: relative;
      padding: 70px 0 70px 58px;
      opacity: 0.32;
      transition: opacity 0.45s ease, transform 0.45s ease;
    }

    .story-step::before {
      content: "";
      position: absolute;
      top: 0;
      bottom: 0;
      left: 18px;
      width: 1px;
      background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.12);
    }

    .story-step::after {
      content: "";
      position: absolute;
      left: 12px;
      top: 50%;
      width: 13px;
      height: 13px;
      border-radius: 50%;
      background: #11172b;
      border: 2px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.28);
      transform: translateY(-50%);
      transition: background 0.35s, border-color 0.35s, box-shadow 0.35s;
    }

    .story-step.is-active {
      opacity: 1;
      transform: translateX(8px);
    }

    .story-step.is-active::after {
      background: var(--story-accent);
      border-color: #fff;
      box-shadow: 0 0 0 8px var(--story-soft), 0 0 28px var(--story-accent);
    }

    .story-num {
      color: var(--story-accent);
      font-family: "Bricolage Grotesque", sans-serif;
      font-size: 0.78rem;
      font-weight: 700;
      letter-spacing: 0.14em;
      text-transform: uppercase;
      margin-bottom: 14px;
    }

    .story-step h3 {
      font-size: clamp(1.75rem, 3vw, 2.7rem);
      font-weight: 500;
      margin-bottom: 14px;
    }

    .story-step p {
      max-width: 430px;
      color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.57);
      font-size: 0.94rem;
      line-height: 1.72;
    }

    .story-tags {
      display: flex;
      gap: 8px;
      flex-wrap: wrap;
      margin-top: 22px;
    }

    .story-tags span {
      padding: 7px 11px;
      border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.12);
      background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.04);
      border-radius: 100px;
      color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.72);
      font-size: 0.7rem;
      font-weight: 600;
    }

    .story-stage-wrap {
      position: relative;
    }

    .story-stage {
      position: sticky;
      top: 90px;
      height: calc(100vh - 140px);
      min-height: 560px;
      max-height: 760px;
      display: grid;
      place-items: center;
    }

    .story-orbit {
      position: absolute;
      width: min(96%, 570px);
      aspect-ratio: 1;
      border: 1px solid rgba(125, 211, 252, 0.14);
      border-radius: 50%;
      animation: storyOrbit 24s linear infinite;
    }

    .story-orbit::before,
    .story-orbit::after {
      content: "";
      position: absolute;
      border-radius: 50%;
    }

    .story-orbit::before {
      inset: 12%;
      border: 1px dashed rgba(196, 181, 253, 0.13);
    }

    .story-orbit::after {
      width: 10px;
      height: 10px;
      top: 18%;
      right: 7%;
      background: #7dd3fc;
      box-shadow: 0 0 24px #38bdf8;
    }

    @keyframes storyOrbit {
      to {
        transform: rotate(360deg);
      }
    }

    .story-dashboard {
      width: min(100%, 510px);
      min-height: 460px;
      border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.13);
      background: linear-gradient(155deg, rgba(24, 32, 60, 0.94), rgba(9, 13, 28, 0.96));
      border-radius: 28px;
      box-shadow: 0 38px 100px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.48), 0 0 60px var(--story-soft);
      backdrop-filter: blur(18px);
      -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(18px);
      padding: 24px;
      position: relative;
      overflow: hidden;
      transition: box-shadow 0.5s ease;
    }

    .story-dashboard::before {
      content: "";
      position: absolute;
      width: 260px;
      height: 260px;
      right: -120px;
      top: -130px;
      border-radius: 50%;
      background: var(--story-accent);
      filter: blur(90px);
      opacity: 0.3;
      transition: background 0.5s;
    }

    .sd-top {
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      justify-content: space-between;
      gap: 16px;
      position: relative;
      z-index: 1;
    }

    .sd-person {
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 12px;
    }

    .sd-avatar {
      width: 46px;
      height: 46px;
      border-radius: 14px;
      display: grid;
      place-items: center;
      background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--story-accent), #172554);
      font-family: "Bricolage Grotesque", sans-serif;
      font-weight: 700;
      box-shadow: 0 10px 24px var(--story-soft);
      transition: background 0.5s;
    }

    .sd-person strong {
      display: block;
      font-size: 0.86rem;
    }

    .sd-person span {
      color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.45);
      font-size: 0.68rem;
    }

    .sd-status {
      display: inline-flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 7px;
      color: #86efac;
      background: rgba(34, 197, 94, 0.1);
      border: 1px solid rgba(34, 197, 94, 0.18);
      border-radius: 100px;
      padding: 7px 11px;
      font-size: 0.66rem;
      font-weight: 700;
    }

    .sd-status::before {
      content: "";
      width: 6px;
      height: 6px;
      background: currentColor;
      border-radius: 50%;
      box-shadow: 0 0 10px currentColor;
    }

    .sd-main {
      min-height: 272px;
      display: grid;
      place-items: center;
      text-align: center;
      position: relative;
      z-index: 1;
    }

    .sd-icon {
      width: 112px;
      height: 112px;
      border-radius: 30px;
      display: grid;
      place-items: center;
      margin: 34px auto 22px;
      color: #fff;
      background: linear-gradient(145deg, var(--story-accent), #172554);
      box-shadow: 0 18px 52px var(--story-soft);
      transition: background 0.5s, box-shadow 0.5s, transform 0.5s;
    }

    .sd-icon svg {
      width: 48px;
      height: 48px;
      stroke: currentColor;
    }

    .sd-chapter {
      color: var(--story-accent);
      font-size: 0.68rem;
      font-weight: 700;
      letter-spacing: 0.13em;
      text-transform: uppercase;
      transition: color 0.5s;
    }

    .sd-title {
      font-family: "Bricolage Grotesque", sans-serif;
      font-size: 1.65rem;
      font-weight: 600;
      margin-top: 6px;
    }

    .sd-note {
      color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.46);
      font-size: 0.76rem;
      margin-top: 7px;
    }

    .sd-meter {
      position: relative;
      z-index: 1;
      margin-top: 12px;
    }

    .sd-meter-top {
      display: flex;
      justify-content: space-between;
      gap: 12px;
      color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.48);
      font-size: 0.68rem;
      margin-bottom: 8px;
    }

    .sd-meter-top strong {
      color: #fff;
    }

    .sd-bar {
      height: 7px;
      background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.08);
      border-radius: 100px;
      overflow: hidden;
    }

    .sd-fill {
      width: var(--story-level, 20%);
      height: 100%;
      border-radius: inherit;
      background: linear-gradient(90deg, var(--story-accent), #7dd3fc);
      box-shadow: 0 0 18px var(--story-accent);
      transition: width 0.65s cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.8, 0.2, 1), background 0.5s;
    }

    .sd-mini {
      display: grid;
      grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr);
      gap: 10px;
      margin-top: 18px;
      position: relative;
      z-index: 1;
    }

    .sd-mini div {
      background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.035);
      border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.08);
      border-radius: 12px;
      padding: 11px 8px;
      text-align: center;
    }

    .sd-mini b {
      display: block;
      font-size: 0.82rem;
      margin-bottom: 2px;
    }

    .sd-mini span {
      color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.4);
      font-size: 0.6rem;
    }

    .place-sec {
      padding: 90px 24px 90px;
      background: var(--hero-glow), var(--hero-dark);
      position: relative;
      overflow: hidden;
    }

    .place-sec::before {
      content: "";
      position: absolute;
      top: -200px;
      right: -180px;
      width: 560px;
      height: 560px;
      background: radial-gradient(circle,
          rgba(58, 100, 191, 0.22) 0%,
          transparent 70%);
      border-radius: 50%;
      pointer-events: none;
      animation: glowDrift 13s ease-in-out infinite;
    }

    .place-inner {
      max-width: 1200px;
      margin: 0 auto;
      position: relative;
      z-index: 1;
    }

    .place-top {
      display: grid;
      grid-template-columns: 0.82fr 1.45fr;
      gap: 48px;
      align-items: center;
      margin-bottom: 30px;
    }

    .place-eyebrow {
      display: inline-flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 8px;
      font-size: 0.72rem;
      font-weight: 700;
      letter-spacing: 0.16em;
      text-transform: uppercase;
      color: var(--acc2);
      margin-bottom: 18px;
    }

    .place-eyebrow::before {
      display: none;
    }

    .place-eyebrow i {
      width: 5px;
      height: 5px;
      border-radius: 50%;
      background: var(--acc2);
      display: inline-block;
    }

    .place-h {
      font-family: "Bricolage Grotesque", sans-serif;
      font-size: clamp(1.85rem, 3.8vw, 2.85rem);
      font-weight: 500;
      color: #fff;
      line-height: 1.08;
      letter-spacing: -0.03em;
    }

    .place-h .grad {
      background: linear-gradient(100deg, #c9b8ff 0%, #9d8bff 50%, #7c6bff 100%);
      -webkit-background-clip: text;
      background-clip: text;
      -webkit-text-fill-color: transparent;
      color: transparent;
    }

    .place-p {
      font-size: 0.95rem;
      color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.55);
      line-height: 1.7;
      margin-top: 18px;
      max-width: 400px;
    }

    .place-cta-row {
      display: flex;
      gap: 14px;
      margin-top: 30px;
      flex-wrap: wrap;
    }

    .btn-pc {
      background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--acc), var(--p));
      color: #fff;
      padding: 14px 26px;
      border-radius: 12px;
      font-size: 0.9rem;
      font-weight: 700;
      text-decoration: none;
      display: inline-flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 9px;
      box-shadow: 0 10px 28px rgba(58, 100, 191, 0.4);
      transition: transform 0.2s, box-shadow 0.2s;
    }

    .btn-pc:hover {
      transform: translateY(-2px);
      box-shadow: 0 14px 34px rgba(58, 100, 191, 0.5);
    }

    .btn-pd {
      background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.04);
      color: #fff;
      padding: 13px 24px;
      border-radius: 12px;
      font-size: 0.9rem;
      font-weight: 600;
      text-decoration: none;
      display: inline-flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 9px;
      border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.14);
      transition: background 0.2s, border-color 0.2s;
    }

    .btn-pd:hover {
      background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.08);
      border-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.3);
    }

    .btn-pd svg {
      stroke: #fff;
    }

    .place-social {
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 14px;
      margin-top: 30px;
      flex-wrap: wrap;
    }

    .place-avs {
      display: flex;
    }

    .place-avs .av {
      width: 44px;
      height: 44px;
      border-radius: 50%;
      border: 2px solid #0a0814;
      margin-left: -12px;
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      justify-content: center;
      color: #fff;
      font-weight: 700;
      font-size: 0.78rem;
      font-family: "Bricolage Grotesque", sans-serif;
    }

    .place-avs .av:first-child {
      margin-left: 0;
    }

    .place-10k {
      width: 48px;
      height: 48px;
      border-radius: 50%;
      background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--acc), var(--p));
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      justify-content: center;
      color: #fff;
      font-size: 0.74rem;
      font-weight: 700;
      font-family: "Bricolage Grotesque", sans-serif;
      flex-shrink: 0;
    }

    .place-social-tx {
      font-size: 0.88rem;
      color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);
      line-height: 1.4;
    }

    /* journey card */
    .pj-card {
      position: relative;
      border-radius: 24px;
      padding: 28px 28px;
      overflow: hidden;
      z-index: 0;
    }

    .pj-card::before {
      content: "";
      position: absolute;
      top: 50%;
      left: 50%;
      width: 165%;
      height: 165%;
      transform: translate(-50%, -50%) rotate(0deg);
      background: conic-gradient(from 0deg,
          rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.06) 0deg,
          rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.06) 250deg,
          rgba(58, 100, 191, 0.5) 300deg,
          #c9b8ff 332deg,
          rgba(58, 100, 191, 0.5) 356deg,
          rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.06) 360deg);
      animation: pjspin 6s linear infinite;
      z-index: -2;
    }

    .pj-card::after {
      content: "";
      position: absolute;
      inset: 1.5px;
      border-radius: 22px;
      background: #0d0b1c;
      z-index: -1;
    }

    @keyframes pjspin {
      to {
        transform: translate(-50%, -50%) rotate(360deg);
      }
    }

    .pj-head {
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      justify-content: space-between;
      margin-bottom: 42px;
      gap: 12px;
      flex-wrap: wrap;
    }

    .pj-head h3 {
      font-family: "Bricolage Grotesque", sans-serif;
      font-size: 1.2rem;
      font-weight: 700;
      color: #fff;
    }

    .pj-tag {
      font-size: 0.85rem;
      font-weight: 600;
      color: var(--acc2);
    }

    .pj-flow {
      display: flex;
      position: relative;
    }

    .pj-step {
      flex: 1;
      display: flex;
      flex-direction: column;
      align-items: center;
      text-align: center;
      position: relative;
      padding: 0 6px;
    }

    .pj-step:not(:last-child)::after {
      content: "";
      position: absolute;
      top: 24px;
      left: calc(50% + 28px);
      right: calc(-50% + 28px);
      height: 2px;
      background: rgba(58, 100, 191, 0.5);
      z-index: 0;
    }

    .pj-step:not(:last-child)::before {
      content: "";
      position: absolute;
      top: 24px;
      left: 100%;
      transform: translate(-50%, -50%);
      width: 7px;
      height: 7px;
      border-radius: 50%;
      background: var(--acc);
      z-index: 1;
    }

    .pj-num {
      width: 48px;
      height: 48px;
      border-radius: 50%;
      border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.18);
      background: #0a0814;
      color: #fff;
      font-family: "Bricolage Grotesque", sans-serif;
      font-weight: 700;
      font-size: 0.95rem;
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      justify-content: center;
      margin-bottom: 30px;
      position: relative;
      z-index: 2;
    }

    .pj-num.active {
      background: radial-gradient(circle at 35% 30%, #8b7bf0, #5b4fd6);
      border: none;
      box-shadow: 0 0 0 6px rgba(58, 100, 191, 0.18),
        0 0 24px rgba(58, 100, 191, 0.6);
    }

    .pj-ico {
      width: 50px;
      height: 50px;
      border-radius: 14px;
      border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.12);
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      justify-content: center;
      margin-bottom: 14px;
    }

    .pj-ico svg {
      stroke: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.85);
    }

    .pj-title {
      font-family: "Bricolage Grotesque", sans-serif;
      font-size: 0.92rem;
      font-weight: 700;
      color: #fff;
      margin-bottom: 7px;
    }

    .pj-desc {
      font-size: 0.78rem;
      color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.5);
      line-height: 1.5;
    }

    /* stats cards */
    .place-stats {
      display: grid;
      grid-template-columns: repeat(4, 1fr);
      gap: 16px;
      margin-top: 32px;
    }

    .pstat {
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 16px;
      background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.03);
      border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.08);
      border-radius: 18px;
      padding: 24px 22px;
      transition: background 0.3s, transform 0.3s;
    }

    .pstat:hover {
      background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.06);
      transform: translateY(-4px);
    }

    .pstat-ico {
      width: 48px;
      height: 48px;
      border-radius: 12px;
      border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.1);
      background: rgba(58, 100, 191, 0.12);
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      justify-content: center;
      flex-shrink: 0;
    }

    .pstat-ico svg {
      stroke: var(--acc2);
    }

    .pstat-n {
      font-family: "Bricolage Grotesque", sans-serif;
      font-size: 1.7rem;
      font-weight: 800;
      color: #fff;
      line-height: 1;
    }

    .pstat-l {
      font-size: 0.78rem;
      color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.5);
      margin-top: 5px;
    }

    /* companies bar */
    .place-co {
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 30px;
      background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.03);
      border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.08);
      border-radius: 18px;
      padding: 22px 30px;
      margin-top: 16px;
      flex-wrap: wrap;
    }

    .place-co-lbl {
      font-size: 0.74rem;
      font-weight: 700;
      letter-spacing: 0.12em;
      text-transform: uppercase;
      color: var(--acc2);
      line-height: 1.5;
      flex-shrink: 0;
      max-width: 120px;
    }

    .place-co-logos {
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      justify-content: space-around;
      gap: 34px;
      flex-wrap: wrap;
      flex: 1;
    }

    .place-co-logos span {
      font-family: "Bricolage Grotesque", sans-serif;
      font-size: 1.1rem;
      font-weight: 800;
      color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.55);
      letter-spacing: -0.02em;
      transition: color 0.2s;
    }

    .place-co-logos span:hover {
      color: #fff;
    }

    .btn-wh {
      background: #fff;
      color: var(--p);
      padding: 10px 22px;
      border-radius: 9px;
      font-size: 0.85rem;
      font-weight: 700;
      text-decoration: none;
      display: inline-flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 7px;
      transition: all 0.2s;
    }

    .btn-wh:hover {
      transform: translateY(-2px);
      box-shadow: 0 8px 24px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.18);
    }

    .btn-ow {
      background: transparent;
      color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.85);
      padding: 9px 22px;
      border-radius: 9px;
      font-size: 0.85rem;
      font-weight: 600;
      text-decoration: none;
      border: 1.5px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25);
      display: inline-flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 7px;
      transition: all 0.2s;
    }

    .btn-ow:hover {
      border-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);
      color: #fff;
    }

    /* ── PROCESS ──────────────────────── */
    .proc-sec {
      padding: 90px 24px;
      background: #fff;
    }

    .proc-steps {
      display: flex;
      gap: 0;
      position: relative;
      margin-top: 52px;
    }

    .proc-steps::before {
      content: "";
      position: absolute;
      top: 26px;
      left: 8%;
      right: 8%;
      height: 1.5px;
      background: linear-gradient(90deg, var(--p), var(--acc2));
      z-index: 0;
    }

    .prs {
      flex: 1;
      display: flex;
      flex-direction: column;
      align-items: center;
      text-align: center;
      gap: 11px;
      position: relative;
      z-index: 1;
    }

    .prs-n {
      width: 52px;
      height: 52px;
      border-radius: 50%;
      background: var(--p);
      color: #fff;
      font-family: "Bricolage Grotesque", sans-serif;
      font-weight: 700;
      font-size: 1rem;
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      justify-content: center;
      box-shadow: 0 4px 16px rgba(20, 39, 92, 0.28);
    }

    .prs-ico {
      width: 38px;
      height: 38px;
      border-radius: 10px;
      background: var(--ig);
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      justify-content: center;
      box-shadow: 0 6px 16px rgba(20, 39, 92, 0.2);
    }

    .prs-ico svg {
      stroke: #fff;
    }

    .prs-lbl {
      font-size: 0.8rem;
      font-weight: 700;
      color: var(--txt);
    }

    /* ── BATCHES ──────────────────────── */
    .batch-sec {
      padding: 90px 24px;
      background: var(--bg);
    }

    .batch-top {
      display: flex;
      align-items: flex-end;
      justify-content: space-between;
      margin-bottom: 32px;
      flex-wrap: wrap;
      gap: 12px;
    }

    .bat-grid {
      display: grid;
      grid-template-columns: repeat(4, 1fr);
      gap: 18px;
    }

    .bac {
      background: #fff;
      border-radius: 18px;
      padding: 22px;
      border: 1px solid var(--bdr);
      box-shadow:
        0 1px 3px rgba(16, 15, 26, 0.04),
        0 6px 20px rgba(20, 39, 92, 0.06);
      transition:
        box-shadow 0.3s,
        transform 0.3s;
    }

    .bac:hover {
      box-shadow: 0 10px 32px rgba(20, 39, 92, 0.1);
      transform: translateY(-3px);
    }

    .bac-head {
      display: flex;
      align-items: flex-start;
      justify-content: space-between;
      margin-bottom: 12px;
    }

    .bac-title {
      font-family: "Bricolage Grotesque", sans-serif;
      font-size: 0.9rem;
      font-weight: 700;
      color: var(--txt);
      line-height: 1.3;
    }

    .bac-hot {
      font-size: 0.62rem;
      font-weight: 700;
      background: #fee2e2;
      color: #dc2626;
      padding: 3px 8px;
      border-radius: 100px;
      white-space: nowrap;
    }

    .bac-date {
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 5px;
      font-size: 0.72rem;
      color: var(--p);
      font-weight: 600;
      margin-bottom: 10px;
    }

    .bac-date svg {
      stroke: var(--p);
    }

    .bac-info {
      display: flex;
      flex-direction: column;
      gap: 5px;
      margin-bottom: 14px;
    }

    .bac-i {
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 5px;
      font-size: 0.72rem;
      color: var(--sub);
    }

    .bac-i svg {
      stroke: var(--sub);
      flex-shrink: 0;
    }

    .bac-prog {
      margin-bottom: 14px;
    }

    .bac-prog-lbl {
      display: flex;
      justify-content: space-between;
      font-size: 0.68rem;
      margin-bottom: 5px;
    }

    .bac-bar {
      height: 4px;
      background: var(--bdr);
      border-radius: 100px;
      overflow: hidden;
    }

    .bac-fill {
      height: 100%;
      background: linear-gradient(90deg, var(--p), var(--acc2));
      border-radius: 100px;
    }

    .res-btn {
      width: 100%;
      background: var(--p);
      color: #fff;
      padding: 9px;
      border-radius: 8px;
      font-size: 0.78rem;
      font-weight: 700;
      border: none;
      cursor: pointer;
      font-family: "Outfit", sans-serif;
      transition: background 0.2s;
    }

    .res-btn:hover {
      background: var(--pd);
    }

    /* ── MENTORS ──────────────────────── */
    .ment-sec {
      padding: 90px 24px;
      background: #fff;
    }

    .ment-head {
      text-align: center;
      max-width: 520px;
      margin: 0 auto 48px;
    }

    .ment-head .sec-p {
      margin: 8px auto 0;
    }

    .ment-grid {
      display: grid;
      grid-template-columns: repeat(4, 1fr);
      gap: 22px;
    }

    .mc {
      position: relative;
      background: #fff;
      border: 1px solid var(--bdr);
      border-radius: 20px;
      padding: 24px 20px;
      text-align: center;
      box-shadow: 0 1px 3px rgba(16, 15, 26, 0.04),
        0 10px 28px rgba(20, 39, 92, 0.07);
      transition: transform 0.35s cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.8, 0.2, 1),
        box-shadow 0.35s;
      overflow: hidden;
    }

    .mc::before {
      content: "";
      position: absolute;
      top: 0;
      left: 0;
      right: 0;
      height: 78px;
      background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--acc), var(--p));
      opacity: 0.1;
      transition: opacity 0.35s;
    }

    .mc:hover {
      transform: translateY(-6px);
      box-shadow: 0 22px 46px rgba(20, 39, 92, 0.15);
    }

    .mc:hover::before {
      opacity: 0.16;
    }

    .mc-badge {
      position: absolute;
      top: 16px;
      right: 16px;
      z-index: 2;
      background: #fff;
      color: var(--p);
      font-size: 0.62rem;
      font-weight: 700;
      padding: 4px 10px;
      border-radius: 100px;
      box-shadow: 0 2px 10px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.08);
    }

    .mc-av {
      position: relative;
      z-index: 1;
      width: 90px;
      height: 90px;
      border-radius: 50%;
      margin: 8px auto 16px;
      background: var(--ig);
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      justify-content: center;
      color: #fff;
      font-family: "Bricolage Grotesque", sans-serif;
      font-weight: 700;
      font-size: 1.5rem;
      border: 4px solid #fff;
      box-shadow: 0 8px 22px rgba(20, 39, 92, 0.28);
      transition: transform 0.35s;
    }

    .mc:hover .mc-av {
      transform: scale(1.05);
    }

    .mc-name {
      font-family: "Bricolage Grotesque", sans-serif;
      font-size: 1rem;
      font-weight: 700;
      color: var(--txt);
    }

    .mc-role {
      font-size: 0.76rem;
      color: var(--sub);
      margin-top: 3px;
    }

    .mc-tag {
      display: inline-block;
      margin-top: 11px;
      font-size: 0.68rem;
      font-weight: 700;
      color: var(--p);
      background: var(--pp);
      padding: 4px 12px;
      border-radius: 100px;
    }

    .mc-socials {
      display: flex;
      justify-content: center;
      gap: 8px;
      margin-top: 16px;
    }

    .mc-soc {
      width: 30px;
      height: 30px;
      border-radius: 9px;
      background: var(--ppp);
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      justify-content: center;
      transition: background 0.2s, transform 0.2s;
    }

    .mc-soc svg {
      stroke: var(--p);
    }

    .mc-soc:hover {
      background: var(--p);
      transform: translateY(-2px);
    }

    .mc-soc:hover svg {
      stroke: #fff;
    }

    /* ── FAQ ──────────────────────────── */
    .faq-sec {
      padding: 90px 24px;
      background: var(--bg);
    }

    /* soft gradient glow on the light sections */
    .courses-sec,
    .uni-sec,
    .about-sec,
    .alumni-sec,
    .ment-sec,
    .faq-sec {
      background-image: var(--soft-glow);
    }

    .faq-wrap {
      max-width: 980px;
      margin: 36px auto 0;
      display: grid;
      grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
      gap: 12px;
      align-items: start;
    }

    .fq {
      background: #fff;
      border-radius: 13px;
      border: 1px solid var(--bdr);
      box-shadow:
        0 1px 3px rgba(16, 15, 26, 0.04),
        0 5px 16px rgba(20, 39, 92, 0.05);
      margin-bottom: 0;
      overflow: hidden;
      transition:
        border-color 0.3s,
        box-shadow 0.3s;
    }

    .fq.op {
      border-color: rgba(20, 39, 92, 0.25);
    }

    .fq-q {
      display: flex;
      justify-content: space-between;
      align-items: center;
      padding: 17px 20px;
      cursor: pointer;
      font-weight: 600;
      font-size: 0.87rem;
      color: var(--txt);
      gap: 12px;
      transition: color 0.2s;
    }

    .fq-q:hover,
    .fq.op .fq-q {
      color: var(--p);
    }

    .fq-ic {
      width: 24px;
      height: 24px;
      border-radius: 50%;
      background: var(--ppp);
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      justify-content: center;
      flex-shrink: 0;
      transition:
        background 0.3s,
        transform 0.3s;
    }

    .fq-ic svg {
      stroke: var(--p);
      transition: stroke 0.3s;
    }

    .fq.op .fq-ic {
      background: var(--p);
      transform: rotate(45deg);
    }

    .fq.op .fq-ic svg {
      stroke: #fff;
    }

    .fq-a {
      max-height: 0;
      overflow: hidden;
      transition:
        max-height 0.35s ease,
        padding 0.3s;
    }

    .fq.op .fq-a {
      max-height: 200px;
      padding: 0 20px 16px;
    }

    .fq-a p {
      font-size: 0.82rem;
      color: var(--sub);
      line-height: 1.68;
    }

    /* ── CTA BAND ─────────────────────── */
    .cta-sec {
      padding: 90px 24px;
      background: var(--hero-grad);
      background-size: 400% 400%;
      position: relative;
      overflow: hidden;
    }

    .cta-sec::before {
      content: "";
      position: absolute;
      top: -100px;
      right: -100px;
      width: 380px;
      height: 380px;
      background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.05);
      border-radius: 50%;
      animation: glowPulse 12s ease-in-out infinite;
    }

    .cta-inner {
      max-width: 1200px;
      margin: 0 auto;
      display: grid;
      grid-template-columns: 1fr auto;
      gap: 48px;
      align-items: center;
      position: relative;
      z-index: 1;
    }

    .cta-left h2 {
      font-size: clamp(1.5rem, 2.8vw, 2.1rem);
      font-weight: 500;
      color: #fff;
      margin-bottom: 8px;
    }

    .cta-left p {
      font-size: 0.87rem;
      color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);
      line-height: 1.65;
    }

    .cta-btns {
      display: flex;
      gap: 12px;
      flex-wrap: wrap;
    }

    .cta-right {
      display: flex;
      flex-direction: column;
      gap: 12px;
    }

    .cb-item {
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 12px;
      background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.1);
      border-radius: 12px;
      padding: 14px 18px;
      min-width: 260px;
    }

    .cb-icon {
      width: 38px;
      height: 38px;
      background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.15);
      border-radius: 9px;
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      justify-content: center;
      flex-shrink: 0;
    }

    .cb-icon svg {
      stroke: white;
    }

    .cb-text {
      font-size: 0.82rem;
      color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.9);
      font-weight: 500;
    }

    /* ── FOOTER ───────────────────────── */
    footer {
      background: #090820;
      padding: 60px 24px 24px;
    }

    .fi {
      max-width: 1200px;
      margin: 0 auto;
    }

    .fg {
      display: grid;
      grid-template-columns: 2fr 1fr 1.2fr 1.2fr 1.3fr;
      gap: 40px;
      padding-bottom: 44px;
      border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.07);
    }

    .fb p {
      font-size: 0.8rem;
      color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.4);
      line-height: 1.7;
      max-width: 240px;
      margin-top: 14px;
    }

    .fsoc {
      display: flex;
      gap: 8px;
      margin-top: 18px;
    }

    .fs {
      width: 32px;
      height: 32px;
      border-radius: 7px;
      background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.06);
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      justify-content: center;
      text-decoration: none;
      transition: background 0.2s;
    }

    .fs:hover {
      background: var(--p);
    }

    .fs svg {
      stroke: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.5);
    }

    .fs:hover svg {
      stroke: #fff;
    }

    .fcol h5 {
      font-size: 0.7rem;
      font-weight: 700;
      color: #fff;
      letter-spacing: 0.1em;
      text-transform: uppercase;
      margin-bottom: 14px;
    }

    .fcol ul {
      list-style: none;
      display: flex;
      flex-direction: column;
      gap: 8px;
    }

    .fcol a {
      font-size: 0.78rem;
      color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.4);
      text-decoration: none;
      transition: color 0.2s;
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 6px;
    }

    .fcol a:hover {
      color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.85);
    }

    .fcol a svg {
      stroke: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.3);
      flex-shrink: 0;
    }

    .fcol a:hover svg {
      stroke: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.65);
    }

    .fbot {
      display: flex;
      justify-content: space-between;
      align-items: center;
      padding-top: 22px;
      flex-wrap: wrap;
      gap: 10px;
      font-size: 0.74rem;
      color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.28);
    }

    .fbot a {
      color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.28);
      text-decoration: none;
      transition: color 0.2s;
    }

    .fbot a:hover {
      color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.65);
    }

    .nl-row {
      display: flex;
      border-radius: 8px;
      overflow: hidden;
      border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.1);
      margin-top: 12px;
    }

    .nl-row input {
      background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.05);
      border: none;
      padding: 9px 12px;
      font-size: 0.78rem;
      color: #fff;
      outline: none;
      flex: 1;
      font-family: "Outfit", sans-serif;
    }

    .nl-row input::placeholder {
      color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.28);
    }

    .nl-row button {
      background: var(--p);
      color: #fff;
      border: none;
      padding: 9px 14px;
      font-size: 0.75rem;
      font-weight: 700;
      cursor: pointer;
      font-family: "Outfit", sans-serif;
      transition: background 0.2s;
    }

    .nl-row button:hover {
      background: var(--acc);
    }

    .va {
      display: inline-flex;
      font-size: 0.65rem;
      font-weight: 700;
      color: var(--sub);
      text-decoration: none;
    }

    /* ── REVEAL ───────────────────────── */
    /* legacy reveal neutralized — AOS now drives all scroll animation */
    .rv {}

    .rv.vi {}

    /* ── RESPONSIVE ───────────────────── */
    @media (max-width: 1024px) {
      .story-inner {
        grid-template-columns: minmax(0, 0.9fr) minmax(380px, 1.1fr);
        gap: 40px;
      }

      .hero-inner {
        grid-template-columns: 1fr;
        text-align: center;
      }

      .h-proof {
        justify-content: center;
      }

      .h-acts {
        justify-content: center;
        flex-wrap: nowrap;
      }

      .h-sub {
        margin-left: auto;
        margin-right: auto;
      }

      .hero-right {
        display: none;
      }

      .why-layout {
        grid-template-columns: 1fr;
        gap: 32px;
      }

      .why-visual {
        min-height: 420px;
      }

      .about-inner {
        grid-template-columns: 1fr;
        gap: 40px;
      }

      .about-sec::before {
        display: none;
      }

      .stats-cards {
        grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr);
      }

      .sc-dot {
        display: none;
      }

      .learn-inner {
        grid-template-columns: 1fr;
        gap: 40px;
      }

      .learn-sphere,
      .learn-ring,
      .learn-grid-dots {
        display: none;
      }

      .place-top {
        grid-template-columns: 1fr;
      }

      .place-stats {
        grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr);
      }

      .bat-grid {
        grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
      }

      .ment-grid {
        grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
      }

      .fg {
        grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr 1fr;
        gap: 32px;
      }

      .cta-inner {
        grid-template-columns: 1fr;
        gap: 28px;
      }
    }

    @media (max-width: 768px) {
      .story-inner {
        display: block;
        padding: 80px 20px 70px;
      }

      .story-intro {
        min-height: auto;
        padding-bottom: 34px;
      }

      .story-stage-wrap {
        display: none;
      }

      .story-step {
        min-height: auto;
        padding: 34px 0 34px 48px;
        opacity: 1;
        transform: none;
      }

      .story-step::before {
        left: 13px;
      }

      .story-step::after {
        left: 7px;
      }

      .why-sec,
      .courses-sec,
      .uni-sec,
      .about-sec,
      .stats-sec,
      .learn-sec,
      .alumni-sec,
      .place-sec,
      .ment-sec,
      .faq-sec,
      .cta-sec {
        padding: 30px 8px;
      }

      .faq-wrap {
        grid-template-columns: 1fr;
      }

      .hero h1 {
        font-size: 1.9rem;
      }

      .wrap {
        padding: 0 8px;
      }

      .btn-p,
      .btn-g {
        padding-left: 16px;
        padding-right: 16px;
        font-size: 0.82rem;
      }

      .nl,
      .n-ph {
        display: none;
      }

      .hbg {
        display: flex;
      }

      .mm {
        display: flex;
      }

      .why-cards {
        grid-template-columns: 1fr;
      }

      .proc-steps {
        flex-wrap: wrap;
        gap: 22px;
      }

      .proc-steps::before {
        display: none;
      }

      .prs {
        min-width: calc(50% - 11px);
      }

      .bat-grid {
        grid-template-columns: 1fr;
      }

      .ment-grid {
        grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
      }

      .fg {
        grid-template-columns: 1fr;
        gap: 28px;
      }

      .pj-flow {
        flex-direction: column;
        gap: 0;
      }

      .pj-step {
        flex: none;
        width: 100%;
        display: grid;
        grid-template-columns: 48px 1fr;
        column-gap: 16px;
        align-items: start;
        text-align: left;
        padding: 0 0 26px;
      }

      .pj-num {
        grid-column: 1;
        grid-row: 1 / span 2;
      }

      .pj-ico {
        display: none;
      }

      .pj-title {
        grid-column: 2;
        grid-row: 1;
        margin-top: 9px;
      }

      .pj-desc {
        grid-column: 2;
        grid-row: 2;
        margin-top: 4px;
      }

      .pj-step:not(:last-child)::before {
        display: none;
      }

      .pj-step:not(:last-child)::after {
        display: block;
        top: 54px;
        bottom: 2px;
        left: 23px;
        right: auto;
        width: 2px;
        height: auto;
        background: rgba(58, 100, 191, 0.3);
      }

      .place-co {
        flex-direction: column;
        align-items: flex-start;
        gap: 16px;
      }

      .place-co-lbl {
        max-width: none;
      }

      .place-co-logos {
        justify-content: flex-start;
        gap: 24px;
      }

      .learn-vis {
        grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
      }

      .lf-dark {
        grid-column: span 2;
      }
    }

    @media (max-width: 480px) {
      .courses-grid {
        grid-template-columns: 1fr;
      }

      .ment-grid {
        grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
      }

      .place-stats {
        grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
      }

      .prs {
        min-width: 100%;
        flex: 0 0 100%;
      }

      .stats-cards {
        grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
      }

      .stats-banner .b-dots {
        display: none;
      }

      .stats-pill {
        text-align: center;
      }

      .lf-dark {
        grid-column: span 1;
        flex-wrap: wrap;
      }

      .learn-vis {
        grid-template-columns: 1fr;
      }

      .ls-stat:not(:last-child) {
        padding-right: 16px;
        margin-right: 16px;
      }

      .cta-right {
        display: none;
      }
    }

    /* ── MOBILE: card groups become one horizontal, swipeable row ── */
    @media (max-width: 768px) {

      .why-cards,
      .learn-vis,
      .ment-grid {
        display: flex;
        flex-wrap: nowrap;
        overflow-x: auto;
        gap: 14px;
        padding: 6px 0 16px;
        scroll-snap-type: x mandatory;
        -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch;
        scrollbar-width: none;
        -ms-overflow-style: none;
      }

      .why-cards::-webkit-scrollbar,
      .learn-vis::-webkit-scrollbar,
      .ment-grid::-webkit-scrollbar {
        display: none;
      }

      .why-cards>.wc,
      .learn-vis>.lf-card,
      .ment-grid>.mc {
        scroll-snap-align: start;
      }

      .why-cards>.wc {
        flex: 0 0 82%;
      }

      .learn-vis>.lf-card {
        flex: 0 0 74%;
      }

      .ment-grid>.mc {
        flex: 0 0 56%;
      }
    }

    /* ── MOBILE: flat 10px side gutter on every section, no other L/R padding ── */
    @media (max-width: 768px) {

      .hero,
      .why-sec,
      .courses-sec,
      .uni-sec,
      .about-sec,
      .stats-sec,
      .learn-sec,
      .alumni-sec,
      .place-sec,
      .ment-sec,
      .faq-sec,
      .cta-sec {
        padding-left: 18px !important;
        padding-right: 18px !important;
      }

      /* medium mobiles — content-height hero (no vh so tall phones don't stretch) */
      .hero {
        min-height: auto;
        padding-top: 88px;
        padding-bottom: 44px;
      }

      .wrap,
      .hero-inner,
      .about-inner,
      .stats-inner,
      .learn-inner,
      .place-inner,
      .cta-inner {
        padding-left: 0 !important;
        padding-right: 0 !important;
      }
    }

    /* small mobiles — even shorter hero */
    @media (max-width: 480px) {
      .hero {
        min-height: auto;
        padding-top: 86px;
        padding-bottom: 28px;
      }

      .hero h1 {
        font-size: 1.7rem;
      }

      .hero-inner {
        gap: 16px;
      }

      /* hero image — a bit larger on mobile */
      .h-slideshow {
        aspect-ratio: 1.2;
        max-width: 400px;
        margin-left: auto;
        margin-right: auto;
      }
    }
  


    .hl-sec {
      padding: 76px 24px;
      background: var(--soft-glow), linear-gradient(180deg, #ffffff 0%, #f5f8fd 100%);
    }

    .hl-wrap {
      max-width: 1120px;
      margin: 0 auto;
    }

    .hl-head {
      text-align: center;
      max-width: 660px;
      margin: 0 auto 46px;
    }

    .hl-head .lbl {
      justify-content: center;
    }

    .hl-head h2 {
      font-size: clamp(1.55rem, 2.8vw, 2.15rem);
      font-weight: 600;
      color: var(--txt);
    }

    .hl-head p {
      font-size: 0.9rem;
      color: var(--sub);
      line-height: 1.65;
      margin-top: 10px;
    }

    .hl-grid {
      display: grid;
      grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr);
      gap: 22px;
    }

    .hl-grid .hl-card:nth-child(1) {
      --c1: #5b8def;
      --c2: #2f57a8;
      --cg: rgba(58, 100, 191, 0.4);
    }

    .hl-grid .hl-card:nth-child(2) {
      --c1: #fbbf24;
      --c2: #ea580c;
      --cg: rgba(245, 158, 11, 0.42);
    }

    .hl-grid .hl-card:nth-child(3) {
      --c1: #2dd4bf;
      --c2: #0d9488;
      --cg: rgba(20, 184, 166, 0.42);
    }

    .hl-card {
      position: relative;
      overflow: hidden;
      border-radius: 22px;
      padding: 30px 28px;
      border: 1.5px solid transparent;
      background: linear-gradient(180deg, #ffffff, #f7f9fe) padding-box, linear-gradient(150deg, var(--c1), rgba(20, 39, 92, 0.06) 58%) border-box;
      box-shadow: 0 14px 40px rgba(20, 39, 92, 0.08);
      transition: transform 0.4s cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.8, 0.2, 1), box-shadow 0.4s;
    }

    .hl-card::before {
      content: "";
      position: absolute;
      top: -55px;
      right: -55px;
      width: 160px;
      height: 160px;
      border-radius: 50%;
      background: radial-gradient(circle, var(--c1), transparent 68%);
      opacity: 0.14;
      transition: opacity 0.4s ease;
      pointer-events: none;
    }

    .hl-card:hover {
      transform: translateY(-8px);
      box-shadow: 0 30px 62px rgba(20, 39, 92, 0.18);
    }

    .hl-card:hover::before {
      opacity: 0.28;
    }

    .hl-num {
      position: absolute;
      top: 16px;
      right: 24px;
      font-family: "Bricolage Grotesque", sans-serif;
      font-size: 3.1rem;
      font-weight: 800;
      line-height: 1;
      background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--c1), var(--c2));
      -webkit-background-clip: text;
      background-clip: text;
      -webkit-text-fill-color: transparent;
      color: transparent;
      opacity: 0.22;
    }

    .hl-ico {
      position: relative;
      z-index: 1;
      width: 48px;
      height: 48px;
      border-radius: 14px;
      background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--c1), var(--c2));
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      justify-content: center;
      box-shadow: 0 10px 22px var(--cg);
      margin-bottom: 20px;
      transition: transform 0.4s cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.8, 0.2, 1), box-shadow 0.4s;
    }

    .hl-ico svg {
      stroke: #fff;
      width: 22px;
      height: 22px;
    }

    .hl-card:hover .hl-ico {
      transform: translateY(-2px) scale(1.08) rotate(-6deg);
      box-shadow: 0 16px 30px var(--cg);
    }

    .hl-sub {
      position: relative;
      z-index: 1;
      font-size: 0.72rem;
      font-weight: 700;
      letter-spacing: 0.1em;
      text-transform: uppercase;
      color: var(--c2);
      margin-bottom: 8px;
    }

    .hl-card h3 {
      position: relative;
      z-index: 1;
      font-family: "Bricolage Grotesque", sans-serif;
      font-size: 1.22rem;
      font-weight: 700;
      color: var(--txt);
      line-height: 1.22;
      margin-bottom: 10px;
      transition: color 0.3s;
    }

    .hl-card:hover h3 {
      color: var(--c2);
    }

    .hl-card p {
      position: relative;
      z-index: 1;
      font-size: 0.86rem;
      color: var(--sub);
      line-height: 1.62;
    }

    @media (max-width: 860px) {
      .hl-grid {
        grid-template-columns: 1fr;
      }

      .hl-sec {
        padding: 18px 10px;
      }
    }
  


    .br-sec {
      padding: 90px 24px;
      background: var(--soft-glow), var(--ppp);
    }

    .br-wrap {
      max-width: 1080px;
      margin: 0 auto;
    }

    .br-head {
      text-align: center;
      max-width: 620px;
      margin: 0 auto 48px;
    }

    .br-lbl {
      display: inline-flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 8px;
      padding: 6px 15px 6px 12px;
      font-size: 0.72rem;
      font-weight: 700;
      letter-spacing: 0.12em;
      text-transform: uppercase;
      color: var(--p);
      background: rgba(58, 100, 191, 0.1);
      border: 1px solid rgba(58, 100, 191, 0.18);
      border-radius: 100px;
      margin-bottom: 16px;
    }

    .br-lbl::before {
      display: none;
    }

    .br-head h2 {
      font-size: clamp(1.55rem, 2.8vw, 2.15rem);
      font-weight: 600;
      color: var(--txt);
    }

    .br-head p {
      font-size: 0.9rem;
      color: var(--sub);
      line-height: 1.65;
      margin-top: 10px;
    }

    .br-grid {
      display: grid;
      grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
      gap: 24px;
    }

    .br-card {
      position: relative;
      overflow: hidden;
      display: flex;
      flex-direction: column;
      background: #fff;
      border: 1px solid var(--bdr);
      border-radius: 20px;
      padding: 30px 28px;
      box-shadow: 0 1px 3px rgba(16, 15, 26, 0.04), 0 14px 36px rgba(20, 39, 92, 0.07);
      transition: transform 0.35s cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.8, 0.2, 1), box-shadow 0.35s, border-color 0.35s;
    }

    .br-card::before {
      content: "";
      position: absolute;
      left: 0;
      top: 0;
      right: 0;
      height: 4px;
      background: var(--ig);
      transform: scaleX(0);
      transform-origin: left;
      transition: transform 0.35s ease;
    }

    .br-card:hover {
      transform: translateY(-6px);
      border-color: rgba(58, 100, 191, 0.3);
      box-shadow: 0 24px 50px rgba(20, 39, 92, 0.16);
    }

    .br-card:hover::before {
      transform: scaleX(1);
    }

    .br-top {
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 14px;
      margin-bottom: 20px;
    }

    .br-ico {
      width: 50px;
      height: 50px;
      border-radius: 14px;
      background: var(--ig);
      display: flex;
      align-items: center;
      justify-content: center;
      flex-shrink: 0;
      box-shadow: 0 8px 18px rgba(20, 39, 92, 0.22);
    }

    .br-ico svg {
      stroke: #fff;
    }

    .br-name {
      font-family: "Bricolage Grotesque", sans-serif;
      font-size: 1.2rem;
      font-weight: 700;
      color: var(--txt);
    }

    .br-city {
      font-size: 0.74rem;
      font-weight: 600;
      letter-spacing: 0.08em;
      text-transform: uppercase;
      color: var(--acc);
      margin-top: 3px;
    }

    .br-rows {
      display: flex;
      flex-direction: column;
      gap: 13px;
      margin-bottom: 26px;
    }

    .br-row {
      display: flex;
      align-items: flex-start;
      gap: 11px;
      font-size: 0.88rem;
      color: var(--sub);
      line-height: 1.5;
    }

    .br-row svg {
      stroke: var(--p);
      flex-shrink: 0;
      margin-top: 1px;
    }

    .br-row a {
      color: var(--sub);
      text-decoration: none;
      transition: color 0.2s;
    }

    .br-row a:hover {
      color: var(--p);
    }

    .br-btn {
      margin-top: auto;
      align-self: flex-start;
      display: inline-flex;
      align-items: center;
      gap: 8px;
      background: var(--ig);
      color: #fff;
      font-size: 0.85rem;
      font-weight: 600;
      padding: 12px 22px;
      border-radius: 11px;
      text-decoration: none;
      box-shadow: 0 10px 24px rgba(20, 39, 92, 0.25);
      transition: transform 0.2s, box-shadow 0.2s;
    }

    .br-btn:hover {
      transform: translateY(-2px);
      box-shadow: 0 14px 30px rgba(20, 39, 92, 0.32);
    }

    .br-btn svg {
      stroke: #fff;
    }

    @media (max-width: 768px) {
      .br-sec {
        padding: 60px 10px;
      }

      .br-grid {
        grid-template-columns: 1fr;
      }
    }

    /* ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
       Unified hero background — every section shares the hero's
       dark gradient. Inner cards stay white (readable), only the
       section-level headings are lightened to remain legible.
       ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────── */
    .hl-sec,
    .about-sec,
    .courses-sec,
    .uni-sec,
    .learn-sec,
    .alumni-sec,
    .ment-sec,
    .faq-sec,
    .br-sec {
      background: var(--hero-grad) !important;
      background-size: cover !important;
    }

    /* contain + layer the injected glow orbs */
    .has-orbs {
      position: relative;
      overflow: hidden;
      isolation: isolate;
    }
    .section-orb {
      position: absolute;
      width: 42vw;
      max-width: 560px;
      aspect-ratio: 1;
      border-radius: 50%;
      filter: blur(48px);
      pointer-events: none;
      z-index: -1;
      opacity: 0.55;
      animation: orbFloat 20s ease-in-out infinite;
    }

    @keyframes orbFloat {
      0%, 100% { transform: translate(0, 0) scale(1); }
      33%      { transform: translate(4%, 6%) scale(1.12); }
      66%      { transform: translate(-5%, -4%) scale(0.94); }
    }

    /* starfields on the darkened sections sit behind the content */
    .bg-stars {
      z-index: -1;
    }

    /* mouse-follow parallax offset — the `translate` property composes
       with each element's own keyframe `transform`, so both run at once */
    .parallax,
    .bg-stars {
      translate: var(--px, 0) var(--py, 0);
    }

    /* ── auto-drifting glowing particle field ── */
    .fx-particles {
      position: absolute;
      inset: 0;
      z-index: -1;
      pointer-events: none;
      overflow: hidden;
    }
    .fx-dot {
      position: absolute;
      border-radius: 50%;
      opacity: 0.9;
      animation: fxDrift var(--dur, 10s) ease-in-out infinite alternate;
    }
    /* continuous, self-running drift — no mouse needed */
    @keyframes fxDrift {
      0% {
        transform: translate(0, 0) scale(0.8);
        opacity: 0.25;
      }
      50% {
        opacity: 0.95;
      }
      100% {
        transform: translate(var(--dx, 20px), var(--dy, -60px)) scale(1.25);
        opacity: 0.4;
      }
    }

    @media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) {
      .section-orb,
      .fx-dot {
        animation: none !important;
      }
    }

    @media (max-width: 768px) {
      /* lighten the ambient load on phones */
      .section-orb { opacity: 0.4; }
    }

    /* ── interactive 3D tilt cards ── */
    .tilt3d {
      transform-style: preserve-3d;
      transition: transform 0.5s cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.8, 0.2, 1),
                  box-shadow 0.5s cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.8, 0.2, 1),
                  border-color 0.4s;
      will-change: transform;
    }

    .tilt3d:hover {
      box-shadow: 0 30px 60px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5),
                  0 0 0 1px rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.08) !important;
      border-color: rgba(179, 140, 255, 0.4) !important;
    }

    /* moving light glare that follows the cursor */
    .tilt-glare {
      position: absolute;
      inset: 0;
      border-radius: inherit;
      pointer-events: none;
      background: transparent;
      opacity: 0;
      transition: opacity 0.4s ease;
      z-index: 4;
      mix-blend-mode: soft-light;
    }

    .tilt3d:hover .tilt-glare {
      opacity: 1;
    }

    /* lift key inner elements off the card face for real depth on tilt */
    .hl-card.tilt3d .hl-ico,
    .lf-card.tilt3d .lf-ico,
    .mc.tilt3d .mc-av,
    .br-card.tilt3d .br-ico {
      transition: transform 0.5s cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.8, 0.2, 1);
    }
    .hl-card.tilt3d:hover .hl-ico,
    .lf-card.tilt3d:hover .lf-ico,
    .mc.tilt3d:hover .mc-av,
    .br-card.tilt3d:hover .br-ico {
      transform: translateZ(46px);
    }

    /* section-level header text sitting directly on the dark bg */
    .hl-sec .lbl,
    .about-sec .lbl,
    .courses-sec .lbl,
    .uni-sec .lbl,
    .learn-sec .lbl,
    .alumni-sec .lbl,
    .ment-sec .lbl,
    .faq-sec .lbl,
    .br-sec .lbl {
      color: #c7b8ff;
    }

    .hl-sec .lbl::before,
    .about-sec .lbl::before,
    .courses-sec .lbl::before,
    .uni-sec .lbl::before,
    .learn-sec .lbl::before,
    .alumni-sec .lbl::before,
    .ment-sec .lbl::before,
    .faq-sec .lbl::before,
    .br-sec .lbl::before {
      background: #c7b8ff;
    }

    .hl-sec .sec-h,
    .about-sec .sec-h,
    .courses-sec .sec-h,
    .uni-sec .sec-h,
    .learn-sec .sec-h,
    .alumni-sec .sec-h,
    .ment-sec .sec-h,
    .faq-sec .sec-h,
    .br-sec .sec-h {
      color: #fff;
    }

    .hl-sec .sec-p,
    .about-sec .sec-p,
    .courses-sec .sec-p,
    .uni-sec .sec-p,
    .learn-sec .sec-p,
    .alumni-sec .sec-p,
    .ment-sec .sec-p,
    .faq-sec .sec-p,
    .br-sec .sec-p {
      color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.68);
    }

    /* custom section headers that don't use .sec-h / .sec-p / .lbl */
    .hl-head h2,
    .ab-title,
    .learn-h,
    .br-head h2 {
      color: #fff;
    }

    .hl-head p,
    .ab-desc,
    .learn-sub,
    .br-head p {
      color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.68);
    }

    .ab-eyebrow {
      color: #c7b8ff;
    }

    /* bright golden gradient + soft glow for the highlighted title word */
    .ab-title .hl {
      background: linear-gradient(100deg, #f7b500 0%, #ffd257 20%, #fff6d0 35%, #ffe08a 50%, #ffd257 65%, #f7b500 85%, #ffa41b 100%);
      background-size: 200% auto;
      -webkit-background-clip: text;
      background-clip: text;
      -webkit-text-fill-color: transparent;
      color: transparent;
      animation: hlSheen 4.5s ease-in-out infinite,
                 hlGlow 3s ease-in-out infinite;
    }

    @keyframes hlSheen {
      0%   { background-position: 0% center; }
      50%  { background-position: 100% center; }
      100% { background-position: 0% center; }
    }

    /* pulsing golden glow around the letters */
    @keyframes hlGlow {
      0%, 100% {
        filter: drop-shadow(0 0 6px rgba(247, 181, 0, 0.35))
                drop-shadow(0 0 14px rgba(255, 164, 27, 0.15));
      }
      50% {
        filter: drop-shadow(0 0 12px rgba(255, 210, 87, 0.7))
                drop-shadow(0 0 26px rgba(247, 181, 0, 0.4));
      }
    }

    /* same glowing golden gradient for the "Results" word in the learn heading */
    .learn-h .out {
      background: linear-gradient(100deg, #f7b500 0%, #ffd257 20%, #fff6d0 35%, #ffe08a 50%, #ffd257 65%, #f7b500 85%, #ffa41b 100%);
      background-size: 200% auto;
      -webkit-background-clip: text;
      background-clip: text;
      -webkit-text-fill-color: transparent;
      color: transparent;
      animation: hlSheen 4.5s ease-in-out infinite,
                 hlGlow 3s ease-in-out infinite;
    }

    /* ── white cards → dark "glass" so they sit on the gradient ── */
    .hl-card,
    .ccx,
    .mc,
    .fq,
    .br-card {
      background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.05) !important;
      border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.1) !important;
      box-shadow: 0 14px 34px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.35) !important;
    }

    .hl-card:hover,
    .ccx:hover,
    .mc:hover,
    .fq.op,
    .br-card:hover {
      border-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.22) !important;
    }

    /* card heading text → light */
    .hl-card h3,
    .ccx-body h3,
    .mc-name,
    .br-name,
    .ab-card h4,
    .ls-n {
      color: #fff;
    }

    /* card body / secondary text → muted light */
    .hl-card p,
    .ccx-body p,
    .mc-role,
    .br-row,
    .br-row a,
    .ab-card p,
    .ls-l,
    .fq-a p {
      color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);
    }

    /* branch row icons were dark navy — make them visible on the dark card */
    .br-row svg {
      stroke: #c7b8ff;
    }
    .br-row a:hover {
      color: #fff;
    }
    .br-city {
      color: #c7b8ff;
    }

    /* faq question text */
    .fq-q {
      color: #f1efff;
    }

    /* keep small pill/icon chips visible on the darker cards */
    .hl-sub {
      color: #c7b8ff;
    }

    .mc-av {
      border-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.18);
    }

    /* frost the glass cards so the blurred glows behind don't wash out text */
    .hl-card,
    .mc,
    .br-card,
    .fq {
      background: linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.07), rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.035)) !important;
      backdrop-filter: blur(10px);
      -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(10px);
    }

    /* the big watermark number was nearly invisible on the dark card */
    .hl-num {
      opacity: 0.55;
      background: linear-gradient(135deg, #c9b8ff, var(--c1)) !important;
      -webkit-background-clip: text !important;
      background-clip: text !important;
      -webkit-text-fill-color: transparent !important;
      color: transparent !important;
    }

    /* ── icon squares/circles → dark gradient ── */
    .ab-card-ico,
    .fq-ic,
    .mc-soc,
    .ls-ico {
      background: var(--ig) !important;
      border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.14);
    }

    .ab-card-ico svg,
    .fq-ic svg,
    .mc-soc svg,
    .ls-ico svg {
      stroke: #fff !important;
    }

    .ls-ico svg[fill] {
      fill: #fff !important;
      stroke: none !important;
    }

    /* keep the open-FAQ icon readable (rotates to an X) */
    .fq.op .fq-ic {
      background: var(--acc) !important;
    }

    /* ── badges / tags / pills → dark glass ── */
    .mc-badge,
    .mc-tag,
    .br-lbl,
    .learn-eyebrow {
      background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.1) !important;
      border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.18) !important;
      color: #d9d3ff !important;
      box-shadow: none !important;
    }

    .learn-eyebrow svg {
      stroke: #d9d3ff !important;
    }

    /* ── floating stat badge on the About image → dark glass ── */
    .ab-stat {
      background: linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(30, 24, 64, 0.92), rgba(13, 11, 28, 0.92)) !important;
      border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.14) !important;
    }

    .ab-stat .n {
      color: #fff;
    }

    .ab-stat .l {
      color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);
    }

    /* university logo tiles → dark glass (logos brighten on the gradient) */
    .uni {
      background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.06) !important;
      border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.1) !important;
      box-shadow: 0 12px 30px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.3) !important;
    }

    .uni img {
      filter: grayscale(1) brightness(0) invert(1);
      opacity: 0.85;
    }

    .uni:hover img {
      filter: brightness(0) invert(1);
      opacity: 1;
    }