/* ============================================================
   IQ MINDWARE - how-it-works.css v1.0
   Scope: /how-it-works - method explainer.
   Requires: brand.css loaded first.
   Design goal: one clear scan path, mechanism-led, not hype.
   ============================================================ */


/* ============================================================
   1. PAGE TOKENS
   ============================================================ */
:root {
  /* Step identity colours */
  --step-assess:         #22AAFF;
  --step-assess-bg:      rgba(34,170,255,.08);
  --step-assess-bdr:     rgba(34,170,255,.24);

  --step-regulate:       #7ecf00;
  --step-regulate-lt:    #CCFF66;
  --step-regulate-bg:    rgba(126,207,0,.08);
  --step-regulate-bdr:   rgba(126,207,0,.28);
  --step-regulate-text:  #3d6600;

  --step-train:          #a78bfa;
  --step-train-bg:       rgba(167,139,250,.08);
  --step-train-bdr:      rgba(167,139,250,.25);

  --step-recheck:        #2764B7;
  --step-recheck-lt:     #8ed4ff;
  --step-recheck-bg:     rgba(39,100,183,.09);
  --step-recheck-bdr:    rgba(39,100,183,.25);

  /* Decision gate branches */
  --gate-zone:     #7ecf00;
  --gate-flat:     #f59e0b;
  --gate-spun:     #ef4444;
  --gate-zone-bg:  rgba(126,207,0,.07);
  --gate-flat-bg:  rgba(245,158,11,.07);
  --gate-spun-bg:  rgba(239,68,68,.07);

  /* Transfer checks */
  --check-swap:     #22AAFF;
  --check-probe:    #a78bfa;
  --check-delay:    #7ecf00;
  --check-context:  #f59e0b;

  /* Boundary / guardrail */
  --boundary-bg:    rgba(180,83,9,.06);
  --boundary-bdr:   rgba(180,83,9,.28);
  --boundary-icon:  #92400e;

  /* Surfaces */
  --how-surface:    #eceef2;
  --how-rule:       rgba(0,0,0,.09);
  --how-card-bg:    #ffffff;
  --how-card-bdr:   rgba(0,0,0,.08);
}


/* ============================================================
   2. PAGE SHELL
   ============================================================ */
body.how  { background: var(--how-surface); }
.how-page { padding-top: 0; }


/* ============================================================
   3. HERO
   ============================================================ */
.how-hero {
  background:
    radial-gradient(ellipse 900px 500px at  0% 65%, rgba(34,170,255,.10),  transparent 55%),
    radial-gradient(ellipse 700px 400px at 100% 25%, rgba(167,139,250,.09), transparent 55%),
    var(--card-dark);
  border-bottom: 2px solid rgba(255,255,255,.06);
  padding: 114px var(--gutter) 56px;
}
.how-hero-inner {
  max-width: var(--max-w);
  margin: 0 auto;
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr auto;
  gap: 48px;
  align-items: center;
}
.how-hero-eyebrow {
  font-family: 'DM Mono', monospace;
  font-size: 10.5px;
  letter-spacing: .18em;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--cyan-lt);
  margin-bottom: 14px;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 8px;
}
.how-hero-eyebrow::before {
  content: '';
  display: inline-block;
  width: 18px; height: 1.5px;
  background: var(--cyan);
  flex-shrink: 0;
}
.how-hero-title {
  font-size: clamp(28px, 4vw, 52px);
  font-weight: 800;
  letter-spacing: -.022em;
  line-height: 1.07;
  color: var(--tc);
  margin-bottom: 16px;
}
.how-hero-title em {
  font-style: normal;
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--step-regulate-lt), #22AAFF);
  -webkit-background-clip: text;
  -webkit-text-fill-color: transparent;
  background-clip: text;
}
.how-hero-sub {
  font-size: 15px;
  color: var(--tcm);
  max-width: 54ch;
  line-height: 1.75;
  margin-bottom: 28px;
}
.how-hero-sub strong { color: var(--tc); }
.how-hero-btns {
  display: flex;
  gap: 10px;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
  margin-bottom: 18px;
}
.how-hero-trust {
  font-family: 'DM Mono', monospace;
  font-size: 10px;
  letter-spacing: .08em;
  color: var(--tcf);
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 7px;
}
.how-hero-trust::before {
  content: '!';
  font-size: 11px;
  color: rgba(180,83,9,.70);
}

/* Hero right - step summary chips */
.how-hero-meta {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  gap: 10px;
  flex-shrink: 0;
}
.how-meta-chip {
  padding: 11px 16px;
  border-radius: var(--r-lg);
  min-width: 200px;
  border: 1px solid transparent;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 10px;
}
.how-meta-chip--assess   { background: var(--step-assess-bg);   border-color: var(--step-assess-bdr); }
.how-meta-chip--regulate { background: var(--step-regulate-bg); border-color: var(--step-regulate-bdr); }
.how-meta-chip--train    { background: var(--step-train-bg);    border-color: var(--step-train-bdr); }
.how-meta-chip--recheck  { background: var(--step-recheck-bg);  border-color: var(--step-recheck-bdr); }
.how-meta-chip-dot {
  width: 8px; height: 8px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  flex-shrink: 0;
}
.how-meta-chip--assess   .how-meta-chip-dot { background: var(--step-assess); }
.how-meta-chip--regulate .how-meta-chip-dot { background: var(--step-regulate-lt); }
.how-meta-chip--train    .how-meta-chip-dot { background: var(--step-train); }
.how-meta-chip--recheck  .how-meta-chip-dot { background: var(--step-recheck-lt); }
.how-meta-chip-text {
  font-size: 12.5px;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--tc);
}
.how-meta-chip-time {
  font-family: 'DM Mono', monospace;
  font-size: 9.5px;
  letter-spacing: .06em;
  color: var(--tcf);
  margin-left: auto;
}


/* ============================================================
   4. SECTION WRAPPER (shared)
   ============================================================ */
.how-section {
  padding: 68px var(--gutter) 72px;
  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--how-rule);
}
.how-section--light     { background: var(--how-surface); }
.how-section--light-alt { background: var(--pg-alt); }
.how-section--dark {
  background: var(--card-dark);
  border-top:    1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.06);
  border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.06);
}
.how-section-inner { max-width: var(--max-w); margin: 0 auto; }
.how-section-hd { margin-bottom: 40px; }
.how-section-eyebrow {
  font-family: 'DM Mono', monospace;
  font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: .18em; text-transform: uppercase;
  margin-bottom: 8px; display: block;
}
.how-section--light     .how-section-eyebrow,
.how-section--light-alt .how-section-eyebrow { color: var(--blue-dp); }
.how-section--dark      .how-section-eyebrow { color: var(--cyan-lt); }
.how-section-title {
  font-size: clamp(20px, 2.5vw, 30px);
  font-weight: 800; letter-spacing: -.018em; line-height: 1.12;
}
.how-section--light     .how-section-title,
.how-section--light-alt .how-section-title { color: var(--tl); }
.how-section--dark      .how-section-title { color: var(--tc); }
.how-section-sub {
  font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.70; max-width: 62ch; margin-top: 6px;
}
.how-section--light     .how-section-sub,
.how-section--light-alt .how-section-sub { color: var(--tlm); }
.how-section--dark      .how-section-sub { color: var(--tcm); }


/* ============================================================
   5. METHOD SPINE - MAIN FLOW RAIL
   ============================================================ */

/* Desktop: horizontal track */
.how-rail {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr 40px 1fr 40px 1fr 40px 1fr;
  align-items: start;
  gap: 0;
  margin-bottom: 48px;
}
.how-rail-arrow {
  display: flex;
  justify-content: center;
  align-items: center;
  padding-top: 36px;
  color: rgba(255,255,255,.25);
  font-size: 18px;
}

/* Rail node card */
.how-node {
  background: var(--card-mid);
  border: 1.5px solid rgba(255,255,255,.10);
  border-radius: var(--r-xl);
  overflow: hidden;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
}
.how-node--assess   { border-top: 3px solid var(--step-assess); }
.how-node--regulate { border-top: 3px solid var(--step-regulate); }
.how-node--train    { border-top: 3px solid var(--step-train); }
.how-node--recheck  { border-top: 3px solid var(--step-recheck); }

.how-node-hd {
  padding: 16px 18px 12px;
  border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.07);
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 10px;
}
.how-node-num {
  width: 30px; height: 30px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  background: rgba(255,255,255,.06);
  border: 1.5px solid rgba(255,255,255,.14);
  display: grid; place-items: center;
  font-family: 'DM Mono', monospace;
  font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700;
  flex-shrink: 0;
}
.how-node--assess   .how-node-num { border-color: var(--step-assess);   color: var(--step-assess); }
.how-node--regulate .how-node-num { border-color: var(--step-regulate-lt); color: var(--step-regulate-lt); }
.how-node--train    .how-node-num { border-color: var(--step-train);    color: #c4b5fd; }
.how-node--recheck  .how-node-num { border-color: var(--step-recheck-lt); color: var(--step-recheck-lt); }

.how-node-label {
  font-family: 'DM Mono', monospace;
  font-size: 9px; letter-spacing: .12em; text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--tcf);
}
.how-node-name {
  font-size: 14px; font-weight: 800;
  color: var(--tc); letter-spacing: -.01em; line-height: 1.1;
}
.how-node-tool {
  font-family: 'DM Mono', monospace;
  font-size: 9.5px; letter-spacing: .06em;
  color: var(--tcf); margin-left: auto; flex-shrink: 0;
}

.how-node-body { padding: 12px 18px 14px; flex: 1; }
.how-node-row {
  display: flex;
  justify-content: space-between;
  align-items: baseline;
  gap: 8px;
  padding: 5px 0;
  border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.05);
  font-size: 12px;
}
.how-node-row:last-child { border-bottom: none; }
.how-node-row-label {
  font-family: 'DM Mono', monospace;
  font-size: 9px; letter-spacing: .09em; text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--tcf); flex-shrink: 0;
}
.how-node-row-val { color: var(--tcm); text-align: right; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.4; }
.how-node-row-val strong { color: var(--tc); }

.how-node-next {
  padding: 10px 18px;
  border-top: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.07);
  font-size: 11.5px; color: var(--tcf); line-height: 1.5;
  background: rgba(0,0,0,.12);
}
.how-node-next strong { color: var(--tcm); }

.how-node-ft {
  padding: 10px 14px;
  border-top: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.06);
  background: rgba(0,0,0,.10);
}
.how-node-cta {
  display: block; width: 100%; text-align: center;
  padding: 8px 12px; border-radius: var(--r-md);
  font-size: 12px; font-weight: 800;
  text-decoration: none; border: none; cursor: pointer;
  font-family: inherit; line-height: 1;
  transition: filter var(--t-fast);
}
.how-node-cta:hover { filter: brightness(1.08); }
.how-node-cta:focus-visible { outline: 3px solid var(--cyan); outline-offset: 2px; }
.how-node--assess   .how-node-cta { background: var(--step-assess);   color: #fff; }
.how-node--regulate .how-node-cta { background: var(--step-regulate); color: #1a2000; }
.how-node--train    .how-node-cta { background: var(--step-train);    color: #fff; }
.how-node--recheck  .how-node-cta { background: var(--step-recheck);  color: #fff; }


/* ============================================================
   6. DECISION GATE (Zone Coach branch)
   ============================================================ */
.how-gate {
  background: var(--card-mid);
  border: 1.5px solid rgba(255,255,255,.10);
  border-radius: var(--r-xl);
  overflow: hidden;
  margin-top: 0;
}
.how-gate-hd {
  padding: 14px 20px;
  border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.08);
  background: rgba(0,0,0,.15);
  display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 10px;
}
.how-gate-hd-icon { font-size: 14px; }
.how-gate-hd-title {
  font-family: 'DM Mono', monospace;
  font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: .12em; text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--tcf);
}
.how-gate-hd-sub {
  font-size: 11.5px; color: var(--tcm); margin-left: auto;
  font-family: 'DM Mono', monospace; font-size: 9.5px; letter-spacing: .04em; color: var(--tcf);
}
.how-gate-branches {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr 1fr;
}
.how-gate-branch {
  padding: 14px 16px;
  border-right: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.07);
}
.how-gate-branch:last-child { border-right: none; }
.how-gate-branch-state {
  font-family: 'DM Mono', monospace;
  font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: .10em; text-transform: uppercase;
  margin-bottom: 6px;
  display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 6px;
}
.how-gate-branch-dot {
  width: 7px; height: 7px; border-radius: 50%; flex-shrink: 0;
}
.how-gate-branch--zone  .how-gate-branch-dot { background: var(--gate-zone); }
.how-gate-branch--flat  .how-gate-branch-dot { background: var(--gate-flat); }
.how-gate-branch--spun  .how-gate-branch-dot { background: var(--gate-spun); }
.how-gate-branch--zone  .how-gate-branch-state { color: #a3e635; }
.how-gate-branch--flat  .how-gate-branch-state { color: #fcd34d; }
.how-gate-branch--spun  .how-gate-branch-state { color: #fca5a5; }
.how-gate-branch-action {
  font-size: 12.5px; color: var(--tcm); line-height: 1.5;
}
.how-gate-branch-action strong { color: var(--tc); }


/* ============================================================
   7. PROTOCOL CARDS
   ============================================================ */
.how-protocol-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
  gap: 20px;
}
.how-protocol-card {
  background: var(--how-card-bg);
  border: 1.5px solid var(--how-card-bdr);
  border-radius: var(--r-xl);
  overflow: hidden;
  display: flex; flex-direction: column;
  transition: box-shadow var(--t-base), transform var(--t-base);
}
.how-protocol-card:hover {
  box-shadow: 0 10px 28px rgba(0,0,0,.10);
  transform: translateY(-2px);
}
.how-protocol-card--assess   { border-top: 3px solid var(--step-assess); }
.how-protocol-card--regulate { border-top: 3px solid var(--step-regulate); }
.how-protocol-card--train    { border-top: 3px solid var(--step-train); }
.how-protocol-card--soon     { border-top: 3px solid rgba(0,0,0,.12); border-style: dashed; opacity: .68; }
.how-protocol-card--soon:hover { transform: none; box-shadow: none; }

.how-proto-hd {
  padding: 20px 22px 14px;
  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--how-rule);
  display: flex; align-items: flex-start; gap: 12px;
}
.how-proto-icon {
  width: 40px; height: 40px;
  border-radius: 10px; display: grid; place-items: center;
  font-size: 18px; flex-shrink: 0; border: 1px solid transparent;
}
.how-protocol-card--assess   .how-proto-icon { background: var(--step-assess-bg);   border-color: var(--step-assess-bdr); }
.how-protocol-card--regulate .how-proto-icon { background: var(--step-regulate-bg); border-color: var(--step-regulate-bdr); }
.how-protocol-card--train    .how-proto-icon { background: var(--step-train-bg);    border-color: var(--step-train-bdr); }
.how-protocol-card--soon     .how-proto-icon { background: rgba(0,0,0,.04);         border-color: rgba(0,0,0,.08); }

.how-proto-name {
  font-size: 15px; font-weight: 800;
  color: var(--tl); letter-spacing: -.01em; margin-bottom: 3px;
}
.how-proto-tagline { font-size: 12.5px; color: var(--tlm); line-height: 1.45; }
.how-proto-status {
  margin-left: auto; flex-shrink: 0;
  font-family: 'DM Mono', monospace;
  font-size: 9px; letter-spacing: .08em;
  padding: 3px 8px; border-radius: 3px;
  background: rgba(46,125,50,.09);
  border: 1px solid rgba(46,125,50,.22);
  color: #2e7d32;
}
.how-proto-status--soon {
  background: rgba(0,0,0,.05);
  border-color: rgba(0,0,0,.12);
  color: var(--tlf);
}

.how-proto-rows { flex: 1; }
.how-proto-row {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 120px 1fr;
  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--how-rule);
}
.how-proto-row:last-child { border-bottom: none; }
.how-proto-row-label {
  font-family: 'DM Mono', monospace;
  font-size: 9.5px; letter-spacing: .09em; text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--tlf);
  padding: 11px 10px 11px 20px;
  background: rgba(0,0,0,.02);
  border-right: 1px solid var(--how-rule);
  display: flex; align-items: flex-start; padding-top: 13px;
}
.how-proto-row-val {
  padding: 11px 20px 11px 14px;
  font-size: 12.5px; color: var(--tlm); line-height: 1.55;
}
.how-proto-row-val strong { color: var(--tl); }

.how-proto-ft {
  padding: 13px 16px;
  border-top: 1px solid var(--how-rule);
  background: rgba(0,0,0,.015);
  display: flex; gap: 8px;
}
.how-proto-cta {
  display: inline-flex; align-items: center;
  padding: 8px 16px; border-radius: var(--r-md);
  font-size: 12.5px; font-weight: 800;
  text-decoration: none; border: none; cursor: pointer;
  font-family: inherit; line-height: 1;
  transition: filter var(--t-fast);
}
.how-proto-cta:hover { filter: brightness(1.07); }
.how-proto-cta:focus-visible { outline: 3px solid var(--cyan); outline-offset: 2px; }
.how-protocol-card--assess   .how-proto-cta { background: var(--step-assess);   color: #fff; }
.how-protocol-card--regulate .how-proto-cta { background: var(--step-regulate); color: #1a2000; }
.how-protocol-card--train    .how-proto-cta { background: var(--step-train);    color: #fff; }
.how-proto-cta-secondary {
  display: inline-flex; align-items: center;
  padding: 8px 12px; border-radius: var(--r-md);
  font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--tlm); background: transparent;
  border: 1px solid rgba(0,0,0,.12);
  text-decoration: none; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; line-height: 1;
  transition: background var(--t-fast), color var(--t-fast);
}
.how-proto-cta-secondary:hover { background: rgba(0,0,0,.05); color: var(--tl); }
.how-proto-cta-soon {
  font-family: 'DM Mono', monospace;
  font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: .06em;
  color: var(--tlf); padding: 8px 14px;
  border-radius: var(--r-md);
  border: 1px solid rgba(0,0,0,.10);
  background: rgba(0,0,0,.04);
}

/* Gf to Gc loop badge - small inline SVG wrapper */
.how-gf-gc-badge {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 14px;
  padding: 14px 18px;
  background: rgba(34,170,255,.05);
  border: 1px solid rgba(34,170,255,.14);
  border-radius: var(--r-lg);
  margin-top: 20px;
}
.how-gf-gc-badge svg { flex-shrink: 0; }
.how-gf-gc-badge-text {
  font-size: 12.5px; color: var(--tlm); line-height: 1.6;
}
.how-gf-gc-badge-text strong { color: var(--tl); }


/* ============================================================
   8. TRANSFER CHECKS SECTION
   ============================================================ */
.how-checks-chain {
  display: flex;
  align-items: stretch;
  gap: 0;
  margin-bottom: 16px;
  overflow-x: auto;
  -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch;
}
.how-check-node {
  flex: 1;
  min-width: 140px;
  background: var(--how-card-bg);
  border: 1.5px solid var(--how-card-bdr);
  border-radius: var(--r-lg);
  padding: 16px 16px 14px;
  position: relative;
  display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 6px;
}
.how-check-node + .how-check-node { margin-left: 12px; }
.how-check-node::after {
  content: '->';
  position: absolute;
  right: -16px; top: 50%;
  transform: translateY(-50%);
  font-size: 14px; color: var(--tlf);
  z-index: 1;
}
.how-check-node:last-child::after { display: none; }

.how-check-node--swap    { border-top: 3px solid var(--check-swap); }
.how-check-node--probe   { border-top: 3px solid var(--check-probe); }
.how-check-node--delay   { border-top: 3px solid var(--check-delay); }
.how-check-node--context { border-top: 3px solid var(--check-context); }

.how-check-icon { font-size: 18px; margin-bottom: 2px; }
.how-check-title {
  font-size: 12.5px; font-weight: 800;
  color: var(--tl); letter-spacing: -.01em; line-height: 1.2;
}
.how-check-desc {
  font-size: 12px; color: var(--tlm); line-height: 1.55; flex: 1;
}
.how-check-badge {
  font-family: 'DM Mono', monospace;
  font-size: 9px; letter-spacing: .06em;
  padding: 2px 7px; border-radius: 3px;
  border: 1px solid transparent;
  width: fit-content; margin-top: 4px;
}
.how-check-node--swap    .how-check-badge { background: rgba(34,170,255,.09);   border-color: rgba(34,170,255,.22);   color: #1a5fa8; }
.how-check-node--probe   .how-check-badge { background: rgba(167,139,250,.09); border-color: rgba(167,139,250,.22); color: #6d28d9; }
.how-check-node--delay   .how-check-badge { background: rgba(126,207,0,.09);   border-color: rgba(126,207,0,.22);   color: #3d6600; }
.how-check-node--context .how-check-badge { background: rgba(245,158,11,.09);  border-color: rgba(245,158,11,.22);  color: #92400e; }

.how-checks-caption {
  font-family: 'DM Mono', monospace;
  font-size: 10.5px; letter-spacing: .06em;
  color: var(--tlf); padding: 10px 0 0;
  border-top: 1px solid var(--how-rule);
  line-height: 1.6;
}
.how-checks-caption strong { color: var(--tlm); }


/* ============================================================
   9. SESSION CADENCE
   ============================================================ */
.how-cadence-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
  gap: 20px;
  margin-bottom: 20px;
}
.how-week-table-wrap {
  background: var(--how-card-bg);
  border: 1.5px solid var(--how-card-bdr);
  border-radius: var(--r-xl);
  overflow: hidden;
}
.how-week-table {
  width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse;
}
.how-week-table th {
  font-family: 'DM Mono', monospace;
  font-size: 9.5px; letter-spacing: .12em; text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--tlf); text-align: left;
  padding: 10px 18px;
  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--how-rule);
  background: rgba(0,0,0,.02); font-weight: 500;
}
.how-week-table td {
  padding: 10px 18px;
  font-size: 12.5px; color: var(--tlm);
  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--how-rule);
  vertical-align: top; line-height: 1.5;
}
.how-week-table tr:last-child td { border-bottom: none; }
.how-week-table td:first-child { font-weight: 700; color: var(--tl); white-space: nowrap; }
.how-week-dot {
  display: inline-block;
  width: 8px; height: 8px; border-radius: 50%;
  margin-right: 5px; vertical-align: middle;
  flex-shrink: 0;
}
.how-week-dot--assess   { background: var(--step-assess); }
.how-week-dot--regulate { background: var(--step-regulate-lt); }
.how-week-dot--train    { background: var(--step-train); }
.how-week-dot--rest     { background: rgba(255,255,255,.18); }

/* Routing guidance cards */
.how-routing-stack {
  display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 10px;
}
.how-routing-card {
  background: var(--how-card-bg);
  border: 1.5px solid var(--how-card-bdr);
  border-radius: var(--r-lg);
  padding: 14px 18px;
  border-left: 3px solid transparent;
  display: flex; gap: 12px; align-items: flex-start;
}
.how-routing-card--busy    { border-left-color: var(--gate-flat); }
.how-routing-card--low     { border-left-color: var(--gate-spun); }
.how-routing-card--stakes  { border-left-color: var(--step-train); }
.how-routing-icon { font-size: 16px; flex-shrink: 0; margin-top: 1px; }
.how-routing-title {
  font-size: 13px; font-weight: 800;
  color: var(--tl); margin-bottom: 3px;
}
.how-routing-desc { font-size: 12.5px; color: var(--tlm); line-height: 1.55; }
.how-routing-desc strong { color: var(--tl); }


/* ============================================================
   10. DATA + TRANSPARENCY
   ============================================================ */
.how-data-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
  gap: 20px;
  align-items: start;
}

/* Data pipeline SVG wrapper */
.how-pipeline-wrap {
  background: var(--card-mid);
  border: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.10);
  border-radius: var(--r-xl);
  padding: 24px;
}
.how-pipeline-title {
  font-family: 'DM Mono', monospace;
  font-size: 9.5px; letter-spacing: .14em; text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--tcf); margin-bottom: 16px;
}

/* Transparency fact list */
.how-transparency-panel {
  background: var(--card-mid);
  border: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.10);
  border-radius: var(--r-xl);
  overflow: hidden;
}
.how-transparency-row {
  display: flex; align-items: flex-start; gap: 14px;
  padding: 14px 20px;
  border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.07);
}
.how-transparency-row:last-child { border-bottom: none; }
.how-transparency-row-icon { font-size: 16px; flex-shrink: 0; margin-top: 2px; }
.how-transparency-row-body {}
.how-transparency-row-title {
  font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--tc); margin-bottom: 3px;
}
.how-transparency-row-desc {
  font-size: 12.5px; color: var(--tcm); line-height: 1.55;
}
.how-transparency-row-desc a {
  color: var(--cyan-lt); text-decoration: none;
  border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(34,170,255,.28);
}
.how-transparency-row-desc a:hover { border-bottom-color: var(--cyan); }


/* ============================================================
   11. BOUNDARY / CLAIMS GUARDRAIL
   ============================================================ */
.how-boundary {
  background: var(--boundary-bg);
  border: 1.5px solid var(--boundary-bdr);
  border-radius: var(--r-xl);
  padding: 22px 26px;
  display: flex; gap: 16px; align-items: flex-start;
}
.how-boundary-icon { font-size: 20px; flex-shrink: 0; margin-top: 2px; }
.how-boundary-title {
  font-size: 14px; font-weight: 800;
  color: var(--tl); margin-bottom: 8px; letter-spacing: -.01em;
}
.how-boundary-items {
  display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 5px;
}
.how-boundary-item {
  font-size: 13px; color: var(--tlm); line-height: 1.6;
  display: flex; align-items: baseline; gap: 8px;
}
.how-boundary-item::before {
  content: '-';
  color: var(--boundary-icon);
  flex-shrink: 0; font-size: 11px;
}
.how-boundary-item strong { color: var(--tl); }
.how-boundary-proof-link {
  display: inline-block;
  margin-top: 10px;
  font-size: 12.5px; font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--blue-dp); text-decoration: none;
  border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(39,100,183,.25);
}
.how-boundary-proof-link:hover { border-bottom-color: var(--blue-dp); }


/* ============================================================
   12. FINAL CTA BAND
   ============================================================ */
.how-cta-band {
  background: var(--card-deep);
  padding: 64px var(--gutter);
  border-top: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.06);
  text-align: center;
  position: relative; overflow: hidden;
}
.how-cta-band::before {
  content: '';
  position: absolute; inset: 0;
  background:
    radial-gradient(ellipse 600px 300px at 15% 50%, rgba(34,170,255,.07), transparent 55%),
    radial-gradient(ellipse 500px 300px at 85% 50%, rgba(167,139,250,.07), transparent 55%);
  pointer-events: none;
}
.how-cta-inner { max-width: 580px; margin: 0 auto; position: relative; z-index: 1; }
.how-cta-eyebrow {
  font-family: 'DM Mono', monospace;
  font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: .18em; text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--tcf); margin-bottom: 12px; display: block;
}
.how-cta-title {
  font-size: clamp(22px, 3.5vw, 36px);
  font-weight: 800; letter-spacing: -.022em;
  line-height: 1.08; margin-bottom: 14px; color: var(--tc);
}
.how-cta-title em {
  font-style: normal;
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--lime), #1a90e0);
  -webkit-background-clip: text; -webkit-text-fill-color: transparent; background-clip: text;
}
.how-cta-desc {
  font-size: 14.5px; color: var(--tcm); line-height: 1.7;
  margin-bottom: 28px; max-width: 46ch; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;
}
.how-cta-btns { display: flex; gap: 12px; justify-content: center; flex-wrap: wrap; }
.how-cta-text-link {
  display: inline-flex; align-items: center;
  padding: 11px 18px; border-radius: var(--r-md);
  font-size: 13.5px; font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--tcm); text-decoration: none;
  transition: color var(--t-fast);
}
.how-cta-text-link:hover { color: var(--tc); }
.how-cta-text-link:focus-visible { outline: 3px solid var(--cyan); outline-offset: 2px; }


/* ============================================================
   13. RESPONSIVE
   ============================================================ */
@media (max-width: 1050px) {
  .how-rail {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
    gap: 16px;
  }
  .how-rail-arrow { display: none; }
  .how-protocol-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; }
  .how-checks-chain { flex-wrap: nowrap; }
}
@media (max-width: 900px) {
  .how-hero-inner          { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
  .how-hero-meta           { flex-direction: row; flex-wrap: wrap; }
  .how-meta-chip           { min-width: 0; flex: 1 1 140px; }
  .how-gate-branches       { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
  .how-gate-branch         { border-right: none; border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.07); }
  .how-gate-branch:last-child { border-bottom: none; }
  .how-cadence-grid        { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
  .how-data-grid           { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
  .how-checks-chain        { flex-direction: column; }
  .how-check-node          { margin-left: 0; }
  .how-check-node::after   { content: 'v'; right: auto; left: 50%; top: auto; bottom: -16px; transform: translateX(-50%); }
  .how-check-node:last-child::after { display: none; }
}
@media (max-width: 600px) {
  .how-hero                { padding: 96px var(--gutter) 44px; }
  .how-hero-meta           { display: none; }
  .how-rail                { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 14px; }
  .how-protocol-grid       { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
  .how-proto-row           { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
  .how-proto-row-label     { border-right: none; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--how-rule); padding: 9px 16px; }
  .how-boundary            { flex-direction: column; gap: 10px; }
}

/* Encoding-safe symbol overrides */
.how-hero-trust::before { content: '!'; }
.how-check-node::after { content: '->'; }
.how-boundary-item::before { content: '-'; }
@media (max-width: 900px) {
  .how-check-node::after { content: 'v'; }
}