Conventional current is in the direction of:

In electrochemical systems, conventional current is defined as the flow of positive charge. This means that conventional current is considered to flow from the positive terminal to the negative terminal. Within the context of cathodic protection, current flows from the anode (where oxidation occurs) to the cathode (where reduction occurs) through the metallic path.

For the specific scenario in this question, the current flows from the cathode to the anode through the metallic path. This is consistent with the flow of electrons, which move in the opposite direction (from anode to cathode). However, in terms of conventional current, we always reference the movement of positive charge. Thus, understanding that the correct flow of conventional current within this context travels through the metallic conductor from the cathode to the anode supports selecting this answer.

This definition is critical for correctly interpreting cathodic protection system operations and ensuring that test measurements and calculations align with the principles of electrical flow in corrosive environments.