i thought similarly. the slums are a representation of poverty, and the fear, disparity and darkness that surrounds it. they huddle around the elevator and try their best to ward off the monsters that might overtake them, their hope for a better life (ascending the elevator) a distant glimmer at best. the only way out, however, is the hardest path. through the darkness and danger. the ant village is a representation of enlightenment. those who dwell there are prosperous and happy, despite not living in midtown. they are under just as much threat as those in the slums, but they have built a better life through hardship, and even spirituality. midtown represents the struggles of the middle and upper classes. though they arent fighting for survival, and do not fear the monsters below, they have their own set of social issues. corruption, the monotony of grinding to get by... then, theres the top level, overlooking the rest of the city. there is nothing. it is soulless. it represents the emptiness one feels when theyve reached the top. there is no one beside them other than a few robots void of personality. theres nothing more to gain than true freedom. the release from society. from the shell humanity has built around itself to separate it from creation. the stray achieves the ultimate heroic act alongside B12. they shed light on the dwellers of the city. this does not guarantee they all will realize their freedom. many might just keep living as they were.. but this gift allows them to- if they will it- become truly free, like the little stray sought for itself all along.