I cast Hidden Blade on a unit with deflect and pay its deflect cost. Can it be countered by Defy?

Question

Accepted Answer

Yes, **Defy** can counter **Hidden Blade**, even if the target unit has **Deflect**.

### Ruling
According to **RiftJudge FAQ #3777** and **FAQ #7555**, when a card (like Defy) checks the cost of another card, it only considers the **printed (base) cost** of that card. It does not factor in any additional costs, such as those imposed by the **Deflect** keyword.

### Sequence of Events
1.  **Activation:** You play **Hidden Blade** targeting a unit with **Deflect**.
2.  **Finalization:** You must pay the printed cost of Hidden Blade plus the mandatory additional cost of the **Deflect** value (as per Rule 735.1.d).
3.  **Chain:** Once the costs are paid and the target is chosen, **Hidden Blade** is placed on the chain.
4.  **Reaction:** Because **Hidden Blade** has a printed cost that meets the requirements of **Defy** (≤ 4 Energy and ≤ 1 Power), it is a legal target. You may now play **Defy** to counter it.

### Important Clarifications
*   **Printed Cost:** **Defy** checks the base cost of the card, not the total amount paid after adding the **Deflect** cost.
*   **Cost Payment:** Per **RiftJudge FAQ #2001** and **FAQ #1922**, the **Deflect** cost is paid when the spell is played and finalized on the chain. If the spell is subsequently countered by **Defy**, that cost is not refunded.
*   **Defy Requirements:** **Defy** can target any spell with a printed cost of 4 or less Energy and 1 or less Power. Since **Hidden Blade** meets these criteria, it is a valid target.

Note: I could not fully verify the specific printed cost values mentioned in this ruling against the retrieved rules.