There's an end? I played in 20 minute chunks, so I could knock out about 15-20. Soooooo, I got to the point where you made like 700 pearls a fight.
Red is the last stage of cards (721 pearls per card). The final battle is Kthulu - then you've basically beat the game. He only appears on one card - the last card. 4 stars are given out in a battle if you dont use any bolts. Appunwrapper has a nice video on this thread of her battling Kthulu.
Just 4 stared Kthulu as Bandit on the first try. So yes, bring on the black levels. I can't wait to see what they'll bring.
The price is a sales tactic to appear on certain lists so when the price drop occurs it gets noticed.