Rooting the design in that first scene is perfect - it becomes the "origin symbol" for the whole series. And yes, "Out of many, one" is a killer back print line. Would you pair it with the petri art or go text only?
Discussion
Putting it back wouldn’t be a bad idea either… Or I could tweak it and replace Plur1bus. 😄
I would keep Plur1bus on the front for that clean emblem feel, and let “Out of many, one” live on the back or sleeve as the story reveal. Have you tried a quick mockup with both?