Bro as a novel reader (I've read it twice in English and Spanish, then as audio novel again so 3 times with all bonus chapters and the extra stories) I can guarantee you all most of the people commenting here are barely based on the smallest fraction of the story which is the initial arc and the escape to the frontier arc.
While some of your points are valid, considering what we've seen so far, they aren't completely true:
First of all let's talk about the protagonists which aren't equal in the sense you all may expect:
JUDE AND CORDELIA AREN'T THE SAME BUT BOTH ARE STRONG ENOUGH TO STAND SIDE BY SIDE
1. Jude Bayer is a swordman in essence, but in actuality a fighter. Both as a character and as a gamer (Kang Jinho was specialized in pvp in game) his modus operandi is think first/formulate a plan then put it to action.
He has a prodigial memory and brain that will put any knowledge and strategy to good use. For that reason he stored an unbelievable ammount of knowledge of the game in his head (amongst other things related to his irl work).
So of course he will be more proficient in one on one fights than Cordelia. Who will look like a damsel in distress at first in such situations. During this initial arc (which is finishing at the frontier) they will be attacked by monters and demonic humans specialized in close combat.
However once the Wild Lands arc begings they will be facing many enemies that attack and act in an overwhelming manner.
2. Codelia Chase is a mage. At the beginning she is the most capable of the two because Jude's cheonmujiche (illness that blocks the yin energy flowing through the meridians, energy nodes of the body in an spiritual net similar to how the nervous system works in the physical body).
Yes she seems to be weaker than Jude in a one on one fight against physical combatants because she is a mage.
I see people nagging about them not being equally as strong. You guys are so WRONG:
Cordelia is a MAGE (again) who specialized in aoe attacks. Meanwhile Hong Yoo Hee (the human from earth) was a pve player (unlike Kang Jinho who was a pvp player). Then if a swordsman appears who do you think would shine the most? Jude or Cordelia. Come on people.
BUT likewise what happens when an enemy so huge to be considered a raid boss appears?
What happens when an enemy specialized in ranged attacks appear?
What happens when a flying enemy appears?
What happens when a horde of enemies appears?
Guess who will shine then? See, here is the thing, once the Wild Lands arc begins, Cordelia will seem stronger than Jude.
THEY DON'T ACTUALLY STAND ON THE OTHER'S WAY. ON THE CONTRARY THEY COMPLIMENT EACH OTHER
Second, about the actual power levels. Jude and Cordelia are one upping each other throughout the story in levels, power ups, equipment, battles, situations. The thing is, both are strong and weak in opposition to the other. So they completely complement each other.
We haven't seen the best fights yet but they will be so intelligent you will wonder why other authors won't work a couple dynamic more often in manhwa.
Also I've yet to find a more balanced couple in manhwa than this right here. Both in terms of power and romance. It's a shame this isn't done often.
CORDELIA IS NOT AN IDIOT OR THE #2 FOR THE PLOT ONLY
About the game rankings: Jude has explained in the novels there are several ways to get scores in the actual Legend of heroes 2 MMO. One is by completing quests, pvp, boss battles and events that you can solo even on MP. They require a vast knowledge of the game and skill to make them faster than others. The other (which is the one Hong Yoo Hee uses and require more skill than strategy) is by completing fights, horde quests and events, boss raid events and optional bosses.
This is why Cordelia is #2 in the entire game and not because she is dumb or unskilled. In fact Jude admits in the pve rankings Cordelia is #1 in the entire game. Just overall she is #2.
Actually the only reason she loses against Jude is because he plays more. He has a lot of free time meanwhile she has irl stuff to do like school and exams.
Her memory is not great as Jude's but she's surprised Jude several times in the story and while her memory is not on par with him, her instinct is way above his reach. She will solve situations and fights Jude couldn't. In a way she is superior to him so that's that.
I RECOMMEND IT
Ending Maker is a unique story, romantic like few, surprisingly sweet and funny love story. Unique isekai with two protagonists where the heroes will use everything at their disposal to ruin the plans of the bad guys. Yes it has its flaws which I see many people exaggerate in this thread (but again seeing as only the first arc is available it's kind of understandable in some cases) but the pros overwhelm the cons in my opinion.
P.D. the art is actually good. I'm tired of the generic shoujo manhwa faces or the solo leveling faces in manhwa. So this is some breath of fresh air to the media. Plus the additions by the manga artist like the references to other works of pop culture is great!