Chronometric Coupling

Coupling depth $\Gamma(\rho)$ links matter density to time accumulation. Where matter clusters, timeline intersections deepen, and proper time accelerates. In cosmic voids, coupling thins, and time slows relative to galactic centers. The speed of light $c$ is not a universal constant—it is the **minimum coupling threshold** ($\Gamma \to 0$). Massive particles are deeply creased intersections; light is a grazing strike.

Technical Details

$\Gamma(\rho) \propto \rho^n$ acts as the primary order parameter. The limit $\Gamma \to 0$ defines the null-path boundary where timeline constraints vanish, yielding invariant propagation speed $c$. Acceleration toward $c$ requires stripping coupling energy, diverging at the threshold.