The one link to the surface are the shimmering towers by the city of Lakeheart. Towers 1 through to 7 of those there each link to the coast of one of the islands (Melwire has two links), and passage through them is generally free. The Flying Islands have no Academy, but are connected to MANA.
It's also the one part of the Novatainian forum that we insist on In Character posting, or Roleplaying. You cannot just make a post saying "Neat " etc. You must post as your character, and, where possible, follow the previous thread. For example -
Andreas strode out from the manor to gaze out over the side of the island. After such long planning, after so many dangerous adventures, they had finally done it. He was Duke of a Flying Duchy.
"If only the original Jasonians were here to see me now," he said to himself.
This Court (and a couple other key forums, all signposted) is/are the only place/s OOC (or Out Of Character) posts may be made, mainly for story collaboration or forum assistance. Any requests to the Duke are advised to be made In Character if you want them attended to rapidly, however.