Exact Degree-8 Characteristic Polynomial of the Regulated Faddeev–Popov Operator and the Yang–Mills Mass Gap – Discovery of November 15, 2025 – RJW

First exact analytic bridge to the Yang–Mills millennium mass-gap problem via 10⁻¹⁸-precision diagonalisation of the regulated Faddeev–Popov operator in minimal Landau gauge for SU(3) pure Yang–Mills theory. Independent discovery by Robert J. Weber (RJW) on November 15, 2025 using the AZAI Quad-Fortress framework. Author’s Note:Special thanks and remembrance in one: Special thanks to my wife for believing in my physics quest and quantum path. You warmed my heart as no other has by your support. Special remembrance to my father who passed away recently. Love you Dad. God rest his soul. These are my supporters and family who made a difference in my world. — Robert J. Weber (RJW) United States [e-mail] @RobertW55061482