Integer retention counts

For each matrix, order its eligible positions by descending absolute weight, breaking ties by increasing flattened index. Let $H_K$ retain exactly the first $K$ eligible positions. Eligibility is restricted to the current mask, so deleted positions cannot be reactivated.

For an early target $d_e$, use

Removing a fraction $f$ of the surviving positions means

Consequently,

with equality zero possible at integer-aligned targets.

Thus $d_f=d_e(1-f)$ is the continuous target law. The exact finite-network density is determined by the integer counts.