
Choose one —
• Counter target spell if it's red.
• Destroy target permanent if it's red.
Fire can be savage, but it is fickle. Water is always true, its flow steady and world-shaping.
Illustrated by Lake Hurwitz · Eternal Masters · #55
2016-06-08
Hydroblast can target any spell or permanent, not just a red one. It checks the color of the target only on resolution.
2004-10-04
The decision to counter a spell or destroy a permanent is a decision made on announcement before the target is selected. If the spell is redirected, this mode can't be changed, so only targets of the selected type are valid.