Can Defy counter Hidden Blade when the opponent has to pay 2 power due to Deadbloom's deflect cost, or does Defy only look at the printed cost?

Ruling: Defy can counter Hidden Blade regardless of any additional costs like Deadbloom's deflect. Cards only refer to printed costs, not modified costs from additional payments or discounts.

Sequence:

• Opponent activates Hidden Blade targeting Deadbloom
• Opponent must pay the Deadbloom deflect cost (2 power) at time of activation
• Defy can still counter Hidden Blade because it only checks the printed cost

Nuances:

• This applies even when Hidden Blade is played from hidden (which costs nothing)
• Deflect is a mandatory additional cost paid at time of activation
• Whenever a card asks for the cost of another card, it never considers reductions or increases, only the printed cost